Acute thyroiditis is a rare bacterial infection that causes an inflamed, pus-filled abscess in the thyroid gland. Symptoms include swelling and tenderness in the neck, fever, and fatigue. Antibiotics are the standard treatment, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases. The infection can spread and cause serious complications if left untreated.
Acute thyroiditis is a rare type of bacterial infection that affects the thyroid gland. Pathogens lodge themselves inside the gland and create an inflamed, pus-filled abscess. As a result, a person is likely to experience swelling and tenderness in the neck as well as fever and fatigue symptoms throughout the body. A doctor can run a series of tests to determine whether your symptoms are truly related to acute thyroiditis or a more serious chronic condition such as thyroid cancer. Most cases of acute thyroiditis are easily resolved with antibiotics, although surgery may be required if the gland is severely damaged by the abscess.
The thyroid gland is a rare site for bacterial infection. When an acute case of thyroiditis occurs, it is usually secondary to an infection in the throat, mouth or lungs. Bacteria can also migrate to the thyroid from other parts of the body. Many different pathogens can potentially lead to thyroiditis, but the most common are strains of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. People who have weakened immune systems due to old age or a chronic condition such as AIDS are at a higher risk of infection.
The symptoms of acute thyroiditis tend to come on quickly. Early signs of illness may include high fever, chills, hoarse voice and sore throat. A person may also have difficulty swallowing food or liquids. As an abscess grows, it can lead to a palpable lump on one side of the neck that is tender to the touch. The lump in the neck is usually painless, although it can cause dull, radiating pain down the neck when the head is tilted to one side.
Left untreated, acute thyroiditis can lead to serious complications. The infection can spread from the abscess to the bloodstream and possibly the brain, which can lead to a life-threatening emergency. Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland may also occur. Possible signs of hyperthyroidism include uncontrollable sweating, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
Acute thyroiditis is usually discovered and treated before major complications arise. Standard oral antibiotics taken for two weeks to a month are enough to clear most bacterial infections. If a cyst in your neck is particularly large and tender, a doctor may choose to drain it with a hollow needle. During recovery, patients are encouraged to rest and drink plenty of fluids to relieve symptoms. A follow-up visit after antibiotic treatment is complete can confirm that the infection has completely resolved.
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