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Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland that can happen due to several situations, such as changes in immunity, infections or the use of drugs, for example, which can happen in an acute way, in which the evolution is faster, or in a chronic way, in that the inflammation happens gradually.
As thyroid inflammation occurs, signs and symptoms may appear, such as pain in the neck, difficulty swallowing, fever and chills, and may also cause consequences such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
It is important that thyroiditis is identified and treated as soon as the first signs and symptoms appear, as in some cases there is a great chance of a cure. The treatment for thyroiditis is indicated by the endocrinologist and varies according to the cause and, consequently, the type of thyroiditis.
According to the cause of thyroid inflammation, thyroiditis can be classified into some types, the main ones being:
1. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common type of chronic thyroiditis and is more common in women aged 30 to 50, although it can appear at any stage of life. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies that end up attacking thyroid cells, causing inflammation, changes in their function and decreased synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Main symptoms: the main symptom is an enlarged thyroid, also known as a goiter, and it is not common to cause pain. There may also be symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as tiredness, drowsiness, dry skin and lack of concentration, for example, however, it can also alternate with periods of hyperthyroidism, with symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia and weight loss.
Treatment: treatment is established by the endocrinologist and thyroid hormone replacement is usually indicated with the use of Levothyroxine, however, its indication depends on the values of thyroid function, which can be verified through TSH and T4 blood tests free.
Learn more about Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
2. Quervain's thyroiditis
Quervain's thyroiditis occurs as a result of infections by viruses, such as mumps, influenza, adenovirus, ecovirus or Coxsackie, for example, being more common in women between 30 and 50 years old. This disease causes intense inflammation in the thyroid and the destruction of its cells.
Main symptoms: pain in the thyroid region, which can radiate to the jaw or ears. The gland may be slightly enlarged, causing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. There may also be symptoms of respiratory tract infection, such as coughing and secretion production.
Treatment: treatment for this type of thyroiditis is done with drugs to relieve symptoms, especially with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxen, for example. In cases of severe or persistent symptoms, the use of corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, may be indicated by the endocrinologist.
To confirm this type of thyroiditis, the doctor may order tests such as VHS, which identifies the presence of inflammation, in addition to the radioactive iodine uptake test, which assesses thyroid function. If there are still doubts, the doctor may perform a thyroid puncture, which can rule out other causes, such as a cyst or cancer for example. Learn more about the tests that evaluate the thyroid.
3. Lymphocytic thyroiditis
Lymphocytic thyroiditis, also known as silent or painless, is also caused by autoimmunity, in which antibodies produced in the body attack the thyroid, being more common in women from 30 to 60 years old.
Main symptoms: lymphocytic thyroiditis does not usually cause pain or tenderness in the thyroid, however it stimulates the release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, which can cause a period with symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which usually recovers in a few weeks to months. In some cases, there may also be a brief period of hypothyroidism.
Treatment: lymphocytic thyroiditis has no specific treatment, and control of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is indicated. In some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of medications such as Propranolol to control heart rate in hyperthyroidism or hormone replacement in the hypothyroid phase, for example.
4. Riedel's thyroiditis
Riedel's thyroiditis, also known as fibrotic thyroiditis, is another type of rare chronic thyroiditis that causes slow and gradual lesions and fibrosis that can lead to hypothyroidism.
Main symptoms: Riedel's thyroiditis painlessly causes an enlargement of the thyroid, but it can cause a feeling of heaviness in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, a feeling of suffocation and shortness of breath.
Treatment: treatment for this type of thyroiditis is done with drugs to reduce inflammatory activity, such as corticosteroids, Tamoxifen or Methotrexate, for example. Thyroid hormone replacement may also be indicated by the doctor, when thyroid function is impaired, and surgery, if the symptoms of airway compression are severe.
5. Other thyroiditis
Other less common causes of thyroiditis include those caused by intoxication with certain medications, such as chemotherapy or Amiodarone for example. Actinic thyroiditis is caused by radiation treatments in the neck region, which can cause inflammation or inhibition of thyroid cell function.
There are also thyroiditis caused by infections by staphylococcus or streptococcus type bacteria, or by fungi, such as Aspergillus or Candida, for example, or even by some parasites and mycobacteria.