Thyroiditis Causes and Treatments
Thyroiditis can cause several symptoms. It can be classified as viral, autoimmune, or drug-induced. Viral thyroiditis is typically associated with flu-like symptoms, is more common in women than men, and affects people in their 20s and 30s. It is often treatable, but treatment must be started promptly if the symptoms do not subside.
Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis
Subacute granulomatous thyroid disease, also known as De Quervain's thyroiditis, is an inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland. This condition is triggered by an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of the disease are typically a mass in the neck. The thyrotropin-releasing hormone is released from the hypothalamus, which links to the anterior pituitary gland, where the hormone that stimulates the thyroid is produced.
Subacute granulomatous thyroid disease is a common medical condition in which thyroid tissue becomes inflamed, which causes pain. The pain may radiate to the jaw or upper chest, and coughing or swallowing can aggravate the pain. In addition to pain, the patient may also experience body pains, malaise, fatigue, and anorexia.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland. In some people, this condition can also lead to other hormone problems. Poor adrenal function and type 1 diabetes are also associated with the condition. It is often treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which replaces the missing thyroxine with a synthetic hormone called levothyroxine. This treatment effectively restores thyroid hormone levels to normal and has almost no side effects. Regular testing of the patient's blood levels will be necessary to ensure that the appropriate dose of levothyroxine is being taken.
Hashimoto's untreated thyroiditis can lead to a large goiter and affect swallowing or breathing. It can also lead to depression and other mental health problems. In rare cases, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to a life-threatening condition known as myxedema. People with this disease are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Postpartum thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland, and it can occur in up to 10 percent of women in the US. Women with elevated TPO antibodies and those with a family history of autoimmune thyroid disease are also at risk. Treatment depends on the specific causes and severity of the condition.
It is best to consult a doctor if you feel any of these symptoms. Symptoms typically go away on their own after a few months, but the first phase of the disease can last up to three months. After that, the condition usually clears up, and normal thyroid function returns within 12 to 18 months. However, about 20 percent of women will develop long-term hypothyroidism, which is treatable with daily thyroid hormone supplementation.
Drug-induced thyroiditis
Drug-induced thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis resulting from taking certain medications. Drugs with iodine in them can affect the thyroid gland and lead to the development of this condition. In some cases, drug-induced thyroiditis can lead to hyperthyroidism, secondary hypothyroidism, or hypophysitis. If symptoms persist, your physician may prescribe corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Drug-induced thyroiditis affects about 10 to 15 percent of all cases of thyroiditis. Several medicines, including anti-thyroid and anti-cancer drugs, have been found to cause thyroiditis. The mechanism by which these drugs work to affect thyroid function is unknown. These medications are believed to alter the metabolism and binding of thyroid hormones, leading to thyroiditis.
