Question

Why some people of mountainous region have swollen neck?

Answer 1

Swollen neck means having a goitre. People living in mountains have a deficiency of iodine in their body, as iodine is the important element in maintaining normal thyroid function. Goitre is the enlargement of thyroid gland resulting in swelling of the front neck. In mountains, there is less availability of iodine in water and soil which leads to lower intake of iodine.

In India Himalaya is also know as 'Goitre belt'