Endemic goitre refers to a neck swelling resulting from an enlarged thyroid gland, commonly seen in certain global regions due to insufficient iodine intake. Iodine is crucial for generating thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When the diet lacks adequate iodine, the thyroid gland expands as a compensatory mechanism to produce the necessary amount of thyroid hormones.
Endemic goitre is seldom found in developed nations. Its treatment could often be managed solely through dietary adjustments.