Abstract
Excessive iodine intake should be avoided in certain thyroid disorders, such as Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid goiter with autonomous nodules. Regarding alimentary iodine intake broad information can be found in the literature or the internet. Cure and rehabilitation therapy is used in many clinical settings, such as chronic degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system, rehabilitation after trauma, after treatment of malignant tumors and many others. Iodine intake with iodine-rich thermal water during cure and rehabilitation is possible and the extent depends in particular on the route of application and the duration of treatment. Information on this topic can be hardly found in the literature. This article analyses iodine-rich cure and rehabilitation treatment with iodine-rich thermal water from the point of view of the thyroid gland. The positive and possible negative effects of treatment with iodine-rich thermal water on thyroid function are elucidated. Apart from an insight into the physiology and pathophysiology of iodine metabolism, the extent of iodine intake during cure and rehabilitation treatment is presented depending on the route of application and the clinical implications for certain thyroid disorders are discussed. An overview of cure and rehabilitation centers in Austria and neighboring countries is given. In addition, an algorithm for the clinical selection of patients unsuitable for high iodine intake and who should thus avoid an iodine-rich cure or rehabilitation treatment is presented in order to assist clinicians in optimally selecting patients for cure or rehabilitation treatment with iodine-rich thermal water.