Define the Disorders due to the iodine deficiency?
- Mild goitre, i.e., a larger thyroid gland than normal. The mildest form of goitre ranges from those only detectable by touch (palpation) to very large goitre that can cause breathing problems. The enlargement of glands occurs from stimulation of thyroid cells by TSH and without ability to increase hormones production owing to iodine deficiency.
- The most severe form is endemic cretinism, which is characterized by congenital, severe irreversible mental and growth retardation.
- Hypothyroidism, which is accompanied by low BMR, apathy, slow reflex relaxation time with slow movements, cold intolerance and myxoedema (skill and subcutaneous tissues are thickened because of accumulation of mucin and become dry and swollen).