Goiter vs. Gout — What's the Difference?

Abnormal thyroid gland enlargement

Arthritis from uric acid crystals

Associated with thyroid dysfunction

Uric acid buildup in joints

Can result from iodine deficiency

Managed by diet and medication

Visible neck swelling

A disturbance of uric-acid metabolism occurring chiefly in males, characterized by painful inflammation of the joints, especially of the feet and hands, and arthritic attacks resulting from elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urate crystals around the joints. The condition can become chronic and result in deformity.

May cause difficulty swallowing

Can cause severe joint pain

A noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland, visible as a swelling at the front of the neck, that is often associated with iodine deficiency. Also called struma.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint. Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intensity in less than 12 hours.

Alternative spelling of goitre

A large blob or clot

An enlargement of the thyroid gland, on the anterior part of the neck, usually resulting from iodine deficiency; bronchocele. It is frequently associated with cretinism, and was at one time common in mountainous regions, especially in certain parts of Switzerland. The incidence of goiter has been substantially reduced by addition of iodine to ceratin foods, such as salt.

An extremely painful inflammation of joints, especially of the big toe, caused by a metabolic defect resulting in the accumulation of uric acid in the blood and the deposition of urates around the joints.

Abnormally enlarged thyroid gland; can result from under-production or over-production of hormone or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet

A spurt or splotch.

(rare) A disease of wheat and cornstalks, caused by insect larvae.

(obsolete) taste; relish

(intransitive) To spurt.

A drop; a clot or coagulation.

A constitutional disease, occurring by paroxysms. It consists in an inflammation of the fibrous and ligamentous parts of the joints, and almost always attacks first the great toe, next the smaller joints, after which it may attack the greater articulations. It is attended with various sympathetic phenomena, particularly in the digestive organs. It may also attack internal organs, as the stomach, the intestines, etc. It is an inherited disease of purine metaboism, which causes an increased level of uric acid in the blood, and leads to deposition of crystals of sodium urate in cartilage within joints and in connective tissue. It can be alleviated by a diet low in purines, and is treated by drugs which block formation of uric acid.

A disease of cornstalks. See Corn fly, under Corn.

Taste; relish.

A painful inflammation of the big toe and foot caused by defects in uric acid metabolism resulting in deposits of the acid and its salts in the blood and joints

Often affects the big toe

Adequate dietary iodine intake can prevent many goiters.

No, it can also result from autoimmune diseases or other thyroid issues.

Symptoms may include a visible swelling in the neck and potential thyroid dysfunction.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the joints.

Yes, genetics can play a role in gout susceptibility.

Management includes medication, dietary changes, and maintaining a healthy weight.

A goiter is an abnormal growth of the thyroid gland.

Treatments can include dietary changes, medications, or even surgery.

Triggers can include certain foods, alcohol, or dehydration.

Yes, gout can affect other joints like ankles, knees, and wrists.

Yes, children can develop goiters, but the causes may differ from adults.

While there's no cure, gout can be effectively managed with treatment.

Foods high in purines, like red meat and seafood, should be limited.

Most goiters are benign, but some can be associated with thyroid cancer.

Goiters are usually painless but can cause discomfort if they're large.