Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid that may occur due to certain medical conditions, but is usually caused by autoimmune diseases. There are several types of thyroiditis, which are sometimes difficult to diagnose because it can cause many symptoms that mimic other conditions or diseases.

The treatment of this condition depends on the type of thyroiditis and the symptoms that are occurring. Thyroiditis can cause hyperthyroidism, a hypothyroidism caused by excessive thyroid hormone production or insufficient thyroid hormone production.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis and De Quervain's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that is a common cause of thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Treatment of this condition usually involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy to treat hypothyroidism, and hypothyroidism can also prevent the thyroid from becoming larger.

De Quervain's thyroiditis – also known as subacute thyroiditis – is thought to be caused by a viral infection that usually causes the thyroid gland to swell rapidly and cause symptoms of fever and a lot of pain and tenderness. thyroid.

This condition is usually treated with bed rest and pain-relieving medications such as aspirin. Most patients recover completely after the thyroid has returned to normal after the inflammation has subsided, but in some cases, individuals may experience permanent hypothyroidism.

Silent thyroiditis and radiation thyroiditis

Silent thyroiditis is also a typical temporary condition, with a slight increase in the thyroid gland, usually treated with bed rest and beta blockers to control any symptoms of palpitations. Most patients recover completely within 12 to 18 months; however, patients may develop permanent hypothyroidism.

Radiation-induced thyroiditis is caused by radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer or radioactive iodine [RAI] and is sometimes used to treat hyperthyroidism. This usually results in a permanent but treatable hypothyroidism in the individual.

Drug-induced thyroiditis and acute thyroiditis or suppurative thyroiditis

Sometimes, when a patient takes prescription drugs such as lithium, amiodarone, interferon or cytokines, this may lead to thyroid inflammation and symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism for other diseases. These symptoms persist as long as the patient takes the medication.

Acute thyroiditis or purulent thyroiditis is rarely reliable and is usually caused by an infection in the thyroid gland. Symptoms that may occur in this condition are very painful thyroid gland, fever, chills, and sometimes mild hypothyroidism. This condition is usually treated with an infected antibiotic, and the symptoms usually disappear after successful infection.

Although most types of thyroiditis can be cured by treating the underlying cause of the condition, it may cause other complications if left untreated. Therefore, if you have any symptoms related to you, be sure to contact your doctor for a medical evaluation in order to get the correct diagnosis.

Types of thyroiditis – thyroid inflammation was originally published on Spring