The Endemic goitre reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Endemic goitre

Endemic goitre is a type of goitre that is associated with dietary iodine deficiency.

Some inland areas where soil and water lacks in iodine compounds and consumption of marine foods is low are known for higher incidence of goitre. In such areas goitre is said to be "endemic".

This type of goitre is easily preventable. In most developed countries some regulation put in force by health policy institutions require salt, flour or water to be fortified with iodine.

Treatment of endemic goitre is medical with iodine and thyroxine preparations. Surgery is only necessary in cases where complicated by significant compression of nearby structures.

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