Milford chronicle., 1931-10-16
THE PREVENTION OF SIMPLE
GOITER

= Ine ease ana simplicity wa
which goiter prOphylaxis is accom-
plished has nearly been the undOin
of this very valuable procedure, aC
cording to a recent statement b
the United States Public Healt
Service. Many persons with goitel
attracted by the apparent ease wit
which the malady may be prevented
have concluded that what is usefu
for prophylaxis of the simple form
is likewise efficient as a means o
treating all types of the disease
Much harm has been done by thi
erroneous assumption. 1t is neces
sary, therefore, to caution people
that there are certain golfers which
are made worse by the ingestion o
iodine. Moreover, the measures
that may be effective in preventing
simple goiter are in no wise usefu
in forestalling other and more Sc
we're forms of the disease.
The following questions quite nat.
urally arise regarding simple gOitel
First, why should simple goiter be
prevented? Second, is the condi-
ton more than a deformity of the
neck? These reasonable questions
may be answered by citing the ex-
periences of certain foreign cOun-
tries in which the disease prevails
unduly. When unchecked, simple
9Oiter is often associated with men
tai and physical degenrations, es-
pecially deaf mutism, feebleminded-
ness, and the idiocy of cretinism.
The i'll effects of uncontrolled goiter
are particularly severe in subse-
quent generations. Fortunately, the
affection has not reached this degree
of intensity in the United States,
nor is it likely that it will reach it..
The causes of simple enlarge
ment off the thyroid gland may be
conveniently classed as immediate
and remote. The immediate cause of
this condition is now believed to be
a complete absence or marked de-
1ciency of the iodine necessarK.for
the normal functioning of the gland.
Anything which interferes with the
intake or utilization of iodine avail
able in normal quantities may like
wise cause enlargement of the or
gan. Thus, infections, intoxica-
tions, faulty diets, and such periods
OF stress in female life as puberty,
pregnancy, or the change OF life,
may be mentioned as remote or un-
derlying causes of simple goiter. 1t
is matter of common knowledge
that females are more prone to sim
pie gOiter than are males.
The most satisfactory method of
administering iodine for the pre-
vention of simple gciter is by
adapting the remedy to each person
in need of it. In this way accurate
dosage and nominal. supervision is
insured. Obviously this method is
costly and cumbersome, reaching
only a small portion of those requir- /
ing the protection. In order to over
come these objections, wholesale .
by the use of iodized
table salt and iodized water supplies
has been suggested. While both of
these methods are theoretically
sound, it is not yet definitely known
they are effective and, at
The same time, incapable of causing
harm to persons with existing goit-
rous enlargements. Therefore, the
Individual method is preferable at
he present time.
1t is likely that the regular con-
of foods naturally rich in
odine will aid in preventing goiter.
Il is known, for instance, that ma
'ine algae, deep sea fish, and crus-
aceans are particularly rich in To-
line. But here again the uncertain
y of dosage and economic factors
ire involved. Variations in the 10
line content of food and water prob
IDLY account, to a considerable ex-
ent, for the differences in goitec in
'idence in the United States. Until
more definite knowledge becomes !
lvailable concerning the value of
odized salt, -idoized water, and 10
ized foods, it appears pest to indi-
idualize in goiter prophylaxis.
Goiter prophylaXis is most telling
n its effects among children be-
ween the ages of II and II, espe-
tally among girls. Even more i'm
ortant, as has been pointed out, is
he institution of appropriate pro-
hylaXis before a person is born.
Inder the supervision of a skilled
hysician a prospective mother may
eceive protection not only for her
wn thyroid but also for the gland
f the expected child. Any plan,
therefore,, that safeguards the thy
old gland during fetal life, adoles-
ence, and pregnancy may confiden-
y be expected to aid in eliminating
imple goiter.
1t has been aptly said: Simple
otter is the easiest of all known
iseases to prevent" Where, then,
lay ofie turn for explicit advice?
'ither the family physician or the
)cal health officer is well qualified
} suggest the most effective means
f preventing this rather widespread
ffection. Self-drugging with iodine
; dangerous and should be shun-
ed.