Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland, causing it to produce fewer hormones and leading to health problems. There are four main types, each with different treatment approaches. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease requiring lifelong medication, while subacute thyroiditis is caused by infection and can be treated with rest and aspirin. Acute thyroiditis requires immediate surgery, and silent thyroiditis is a rare form that occurs in some women after pregnancy and childbirth.
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland, a gland in the neck that is a critical part of the endocrine system. When the thyroid becomes inflamed, it is unable to perform its normal functions, typically producing less hormones than it normally would, leading to a variety of health problems. There are many different types and causes of inflammation, some of which require treatment and others which resolve on their own. Medical attention is important to discover the cause of the condition and to confirm that there are no lumps or other irregularities present in the gland.
Whenever “-itis” is involved, it is a clue that the condition is characterized by inflammation, often caused by an infection. There are four main types of thyroid inflammation: Hashimoto’s, subacute, acute, and silent thyroiditis. Each requires a different treatment approach, which is why it’s important for a person to see a doctor when symptoms such as a swollen neck, fatigue, muscle weakness, pale skin, and fever appear, so that the condition and cause can be diagnosed.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation when the immune system begins to attack the thyroid gland. It requires treatment with supplemental thyroid medication to compensate for the hormones the body is not producing. Usually, the symptoms resolve after the patient begins using the drug, although the drugs must be taken for life to prevent symptoms from recurring.
Subacute thyroiditis, also known as De Quervain’s or viral thyroiditis, is caused by an infection. Viral infections in the thyroid area, such as upper respiratory infections, can lead to this condition. Usually, the patient is encouraged to rest and take aspirin to reduce inflammation and swelling until the pain in the neck goes away after a few weeks. Acute thyroiditis, on the other hand, is caused by a bacterial infection of the thyroid itself, leading to rapid swelling, pain, and warmth around the thyroid gland. It requires immediate surgery to drain the thyroid, and you may need to take medication if the gland has been damaged.
Silent thyroiditis is a very rare form of inflammation that occurs in some women after pregnancy and childbirth. The thyroid gland swells slightly and feels hard to the touch. The condition typically develops within a year of birth but usually resolves within a few months. This type is also called postpartum thyroiditis.
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