What Are the Most Common Goiter Causes?
“Goiter” is the medical term for an enlarged thyroid. The thyroid, at the front of the neck, can become enlarged as a result of a number of things. Iodine deficiency, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and nodule development are among the common goiter causes. On a global scale, lack of iodine in the diet is the leading cause of goiters. The lack of iodine affects the production of hormones necessary for proper thyroid functioning and causes the thyroid to enlarge as it seeks out more iodine. In countries where table salt is readily available, such as the United States and other First World countries, iodine deficiency usually isn’t among the leading goiter causes. While iodine deficiency represents the most common cause of goiter in Third World countries, autoimmune disorders and nodules within the gland represent common goiter causes in First World countries. Autoimmune disorders include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Single or multiple nodules within the thyroid can result in goit
