Thyroiditis: Symptoms and Treatment

Thyroiditis is a class of diseases related to the thyroid gland. To know the types, causes, symptoms and treatment for thyroiditis, read on...
Thyroiditis: Symptoms and Treatment
Inflammation of thyroid gland is referred as thyroiditis. The thyroid gland, present in the lower neck, is an important gland that regulates the endocrine system of our body. The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland play a major role in the metabolic activities of our body. Regulation of blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate are some of the important functions of the thyroid hormones. Oversecretion or insufficient secretion of these hormones, due to damage to the thyroid gland, leads to thyroiditis.

Causes of Thyroiditis

An attack on the thyroid gland leads to its inflammation and damages thyroid cells. Most types of thyroiditis are caused due to the attack of anti-bodies on the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis is considered as an autoimmune disease, because the antibodies created by body cause attack the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis is a result of other autoimmune disorders like diabetes, arthritis, etc. Autoimmune diseases are disorders where antibodies, which attack healthy cells, are produced erroneously by the immune system. Viral infection and side-effects of some drugs (like interferon and amiodarone) are some other factors that may lead to inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Types of Thyroiditis

The following table gives a brief idea on types of thyroiditis, their causes, symptoms and treatment. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type of thyroiditis.

Type of Thyroiditis Causes Symptoms Neck Pain
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Antibodies attack Symptoms of hyperthyroidism No
Subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain’s thyroiditis) Viral infection Painful thyroid Yes
Silent thyroiditis Antibodies attack Symptoms of hyperthyroidism No
Postpartum thyroiditis Antibodies attack after delivery of child Symptoms of hyperthyroidism No
Drug-induced thyroiditis Drugs like: amiodarone, lithium, interferons and cytokines Symptoms of hyperthyroidism No
Radiation-induced thyroiditis External beam radiation therapy for certain cancers. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism No
Acute thyroiditis Infection due to any organism, mostly bacteria Painful thyroid, fever and occasional symptoms of hyperthyroidism Yes

Symptoms of Thyroiditis

Symptoms of thyroiditis differ, according to the type of thyroiditis. These symptoms depend on the speed with which the thyroid gland is getting enlarged. Rapid destruction of thyroid cells causes symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism. Following are some common symptoms of thyroiditis: Diagnosis of Thyroiditis

Physical examination of the thyroid gland helps in finding out, if thyroid gland is enlarged. Thyroid blood test like TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), T4 and T3 give an account of the amount of thyroid hormones present in the blood. This helps to know the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Thyroid scans are performed, which examine the functioning of the thyroid gland. Biopsy of the thyroid gland helps in knowing what are the factors that have lead to the attack on the thyroid gland. The diagnosis will also reveal the type of thyroiditis, the patient suffering from.

Risk Factors of Thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common thyroid disorder in US. Cases of thyroiditis are more common in women than in men. People above the age of 40 years, are more commonly affected. A list of risk factors that may cause thyroiditis is given below:
  • Family history or a personal history of thyroiditis and/or immune system disorder, increases the risk of thyroiditis.
  • Pregnancy
  • Illness (viral/bacterial)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Medications, like amiodarone or lithium
Treatment of Thyroiditis

The type of the thyroiditis diagnosed, helps in deciding the type of treatment required. For a patient showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, the doctor may prescribe drugs called beta blockers, that help in lowering the increased heart rate. Such patients may also be given the thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The hormone replacement therapy helps to restore the level of hormones in the body and leads to normal metabolic activities. It prevents further inflammation of the thyroid gland. Patients having pain in the throat due to inflammation of thyroid gland, are prescribed medications to reduce the pain. Severe throat pain is required to be treated with steroid therapy. Patients of thyroiditis need to be examined regularly to keep an eye on functioning of thyroid gland.

Thyroiditis may lead to serious health problems, if timely treatment is not given. 27 million people in US, are suffering from thyroid problems. These problems may result in a permanent damage of the thyroid gland. A physician should be consulted at the earliest, on observing any symptoms of thyroiditis.

By Mayuri Kulkarni
Published: 6/8/2009
 
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