Thyroiditis: definition, symptoms, causes, to treatment

Definition

What is thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is an inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that plays an important role in controlling metabolism. Inflammation can result in increased thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or reduced thyroid activity (hypothyroidism).

The most common type is Hashimoto's thyroid inflammation. Other forms of inflammation (swelling) of the thyroids such as subacute thyroiditis and silent thyroiditis can cause hyperthyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis may also occur in women who have recently given birth.

Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, there are three phases in this condition, namely:

Thyrotoxic phase

Thyrotoxicosis means that the thyroid is inflamed and it releases too much hormone.

Hypothyroid phase

After a few weeks or months of excessive thyroid hormone release, the thyroid will not have enough hormone to release again. This results in a lack of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism.

Euthyroid phase

During this phase, thyroid hormone levels are normal. This phase can come temporarily after the thyrotoxic phase, before moving to the hypothyroid phase. This phase may also occur after the thyroid gland has recovered from inflammation and is able to maintain normal hormone levels.

Thyroiditis can cause an overactive or underactive thyroid, depending on the severity of the disease.

How common is thyroiditis?

This disease can occur in people of any age. However, women are more affected by inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid than men. Women are 10 times more likely to develop this disease.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of thyroiditis?

Symptoms depend on the type of thyroiditis and the severity of the disease. Common symptoms in the early stages are:

• Swelling of the thyroid, sometimes feeling sore and tense
• Dry eyes and mouth, but not too painful.

Symptoms of inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid can mimic those of hyperthyroidism, including:

• Lose weight
• Increased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Faster heart rate
• Anxious
• Sensitive to heat
• Shivering.

In addition, in the thyroiditis phase symptoms of hypothyroidism will appear. Symptoms include:

• Weight gain but loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Sensitive to cold
• Weak.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

Due to the role of the thyroid in controlling metabolism, thyroiditis will affect your daily activities. Contact your doctor if:

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Shortness of breath, a faster heart rate after starting thyroid hormone therapy.
• High fever or very sick.
• Medicine Allergy.
• Feel tired despite several weeks of treatment.

Cause

What causes thyroiditis?

There are many causes of thyroiditis. The most common cause is because the body's immune system attacks the thyroid cells.

Doctors don't know for sure why the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Some scientists believe that bacteria or viruses might trigger this response, while others believe it may be related to a genetic defect.

The result is higher hormone levels (hyperthyroidism), followed by decreased hormones (hypothyroidism).

Based on the type, here are the possible causes of the condition:

Hashimoto's disease

This is the most common type of the condition. This disease occurs when your immune system starts attacking the thyroid gland and gradually weakens the gland to the point that it can't produce enough thyroid hormone.

Subacute thyroiditis

This type is usually triggered by an infection. With this condition, there is generally a predictable pattern of how the thyroid functions.

First, the thyroid and neck area will feel sore. Then, the thyroid produces too much hormone, which is also known as hyperthyroidism.

Then, there is the normal functioning phase, followed by the time when the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone, which is also known as hypothyroidism. After about 12-18 months, thyroid function returns to normal.

Postpartum thyroiditis

This type starts to appear after you give birth, usually in women with a history of thyroid problems. With proper treatment, the thyroid usually recovers after 18 months.

Silent thyroiditis

As the name suggests, there are no symptoms present in this type. Similar to the postpartum type condition, recovery can take up to 18 months.

It begins with a phase of producing too much hormone, followed by a longer period of producing too little thyroid.

What increases the risk of thyroiditis?

There are many factors that increase the risk of inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid, including:

• Gender: Women are more prone to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• Age: Hashimoto's disease can occur in people of all ages but is most common in middle-aged people.
• Genetics: the risk is higher if there is a family member with thyroid disease or other autoimmune disease.
• Other autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, lupus erythematosus.

Diagnosis

What are the most common thyroiditis tests?

The doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical examination and suggest blood tests. This test will measure the concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid antibodies.

A imaging technique called radioactive iodine absorption (Raiu) specific measurement may also be used. In addition, your doctor may also ask you to:

Hormone test

A blood test that measures the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid and pituitary glands. If a patient has hypothyroidism, a low thyroid hormone level but simultaneously a high TSH will stimulate the pituitary gland to produce much more thyroid hormone.

Antibody test

Hashimoto's disease due to autoimmune disease may be associated with abnormal antibody generation.

Performing a blood test can confirm the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, a hormone in the normal thyroid gland, and plays an important role in thyroid hormone production.

Treatment

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for thyroiditis?

People being treated with thyroid hormones may need long-term treatment. Treatment of this condition depends largely on the type you are experiencing.

People suffering from Hashimoto will use levothyroxine (thyroid hormone) to replace the lost hormones. When your metabolism returns to normal, your doctor may adjust the dosage.

Meanwhile, silent and subacute thyroiditis may go away on its own without treatment or may require anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prednisone for pain. You can also use beta-blockers propranolol or atenolol, for example, to quickly regulate your heart rhythm.

If you have thyroid pain, your doctor may recommend aspirin and ibuprofen. Severe pain can be treated in other ways.

Although rare, surgery will be needed if other treatments don't work well.

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can treat thyroiditis?

The following lifestyle and home remedies may help treat thyroiditis:

• Visit the doctor regularly. Thyroiditis can change over time and hyperthyroidism can become hypothyroidism.
• Learn about the types of thyroiditis. Find out if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
• Take medication according to a doctor's prescription.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment.