Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can lead to a variety of thyroid-related symptoms and complications. This article explains thyroiditis' causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Causes:
There are several causes of thyroiditis, including:
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Thyroiditis caused by the immune system, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is the most common form of thyroiditis.
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Thyroid inflammation can be caused by viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus or other respiratory viruses.
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Though less common, bacterial infections can also cause thyroiditis, especially in cases of acute infectious thyroiditis.
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Thyroiditis can be caused by radiation exposure to the head, neck, or chest, particularly during childhood.
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Some medications, such as interferon-alpha or interleukin-2 used in the treatment of cancer or hepatitis, can cause thyroid inflammation.
Symptoms:
Depending on the type and severity of inflammation, thyroiditis can cause the following symptoms:
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Lethargy and low energy levels are often associated with fatigue.
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Unexpected weight gain or loss, despite no significant changes in diet or exercise.
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Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the front of the neck, particularly when palpating or swallowing.
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Thyroid hormone fluctuations can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
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Changes in hair texture, thickness, or loss, particularly dryness or brittleness.
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Changes in the skin: Dry, pale, or coarse skin, often accompanied by itching or sensitivity to temperature changes.
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A change in menstrual patterns, such as heavier or lighter periods, irregular cycles, or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
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Feeling cold even in warm environments due to cold intolerance.
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Chronic thyroiditis may cause swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland, known as a goiter.
Diagnosis:
Thyroiditis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. These procedures may include:
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A healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination, including palpating the thyroid gland to check for enlargement, tenderness, or nodules.
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Lab tests to assess thyroid function and detect signs of thyroid autoimmune or infectious thyroiditis include thyroid hormone levels (e.g., TSH, T3, T4), thyroid autoantibodies (e.g., anti-thyroid peroxidase [TPO] antibodies), and markers of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein [CRP]).
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Using ultrasound imaging of the thyroid gland, one can visualize its size, shape, and characteristics, as well as detect inflammation and structural abnormalities.
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During fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA), a small tissue sample is taken from the thyroid gland using a thin needle and examined under a microscope in order to rule out thyroid cancer.
Treatment:
Treatment options for thyroiditis depend on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
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The condition may resolve spontaneously over time in cases of mild or subclinical thyroiditis if observed with regular thyroid function monitoring.
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A thyroid hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine may be prescribed to treat hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroiditis.
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Acute infectious thyroiditis may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
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To suppress inflammation and alleviate symptoms, corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are prescribed in cases of severe or symptomatic thyroiditis.
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In cases of viral or bacterial thyroiditis, antiviral or antibiotic medications may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection.
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A radioactive iodine treatment may be used to reduce thyroid hormone production and treat hyperthyroidism associated with autoimmune thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
Prevention:
It may not always be possible to prevent thyroiditis, but individuals can reduce the risk of complications and promote thyroid health by taking the following steps:
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The practice of stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels and boost immunity.
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Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroiditis and other thyroid-related problems.
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A healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
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Radiation-induced thyroiditis can be reduced by minimizing exposure to radiation, especially during medical procedures or environmental exposures.
