A GOITER is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck. The main function of thyroid gland is to regulate the rate of metabolism. Goiter may be caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. Inflammation of the thyroid gland due to infection or under or overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of goiter are a swelling at the base of the neck, hoarseness, change in the rate of metabolism and in extreme cases, difficulty in swallowing and breathing. Treatment of goiter varies with the cause. If goiter is due to an iodine deficiency, increasing the intake of iodine will prevent further enlargement of the gland and in some cases, reduce its size. The use of iodized salt has helped to eliminate goiter in many places where iodine does not occur naturally in foods.
In treatment of Goiter Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iodine may be beneficial.
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