Question

Short answer question

Which are the 2 types of goitre? What are its causes?

Answer 1

Hypersecretion of thyroid hormones: It is caused by an increase in the levels of thyroid hormones. This increases metabolic rate, sensitivity, sweating, flushing, rapid respiration, bulging of eyeballs, and affects various physiological activities. Graves’ disease: Hyperthyroidism in adults results in this disorder. It is characterised by protruding eyeballs, increased BMR, and weight loss. Increased BMR produces a range of effects like increased heartbeat, increased B.P., higher body temperature, nervousness, irritability, and tremor of fingers.

Simple goitre: It is iodine deficiency goitre. Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormone and if there is a deficiency of iodine in the diet, it causes enlargement of the thyroid gland leading to simple goitre. This disease is common in hilly areas. Addition of iodine to table salt prevents this disease. The size of the thyroid gland is increased but the total output of thyroxine is decreased.