Goiter is also the term used for an enlarged
thyroid gland, which causes visible (and sometimes
severe) swelling of the
throat. Goiter is usually a
symptom of an underlying disorder, often a
vitamin deficiency. It is common in
third-world countries where general
health, especially among
children, can be poor.
A principal cause of goiter is a diet lacking iodide. In developed countries, most table salt is fortified with iodide and goiter is uncommon.