Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Thyroiditis
Number of Conditions: 4
Subacute (De Quervain’s) Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
painful, tender thyroid gland; fever; fatigue; neck pain radiating to the jaw or ears; temporary hyperthyroid symptoms like palpitations, weight loss, and heat intolerance; later hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue and cold intolerance
Root Cause:
Inflammation of the thyroid gland, often following a viral upper respiratory infection, leading to the release of stored thyroid hormones.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation, elevated inflammatory markers (ESR and CRP), abnormal thyroid function tests (initial hyperthyroidism with elevated T3/T4 and suppressed TSH), and reduced radioactive iodine uptake.
Treatment:
Supportive care with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for pain and inflammation. Beta-blockers may be used temporarily for hyperthyroid symptoms.
Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation; corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for severe cases; beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ) to manage hyperthyroid symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, more common in women aged 30–50 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infection, female gender, family history of thyroid disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically self-limiting, with complete recovery in most cases within 2–3 months. Temporary hypothyroidism may develop but usually resolves.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent hypothyroidism, recurrence of symptoms, or, rarely, permanent thyroid dysfunction.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
initial hyperthyroidism symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, heat intolerance, and weight loss; later hypothyroidism symptoms like fatigue, depression, weight gain, and cold intolerance
Root Cause:
Autoimmune-mediated inflammation of the thyroid gland occurring within one year after childbirth, likely triggered by immune system changes during pregnancy.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Thyroid function tests showing an initial hyperthyroid phase (elevated T3/T4, suppressed TSH) followed by hypothyroidism (low T3/T4, elevated TSH); positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.
Treatment:
Typically no treatment for mild cases; beta-blockers for hyperthyroid symptoms and levothyroxine for hypothyroid symptoms if they are significant or persistent.
Medications:
Beta-blockers like propranolol for temporary symptom control; levothyroxine (thyroid hormone replacement) for hypothyroidism.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 5–10% of postpartum women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, and previous history of postpartum thyroiditis.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most women recover fully within 12–18 months, but some may develop permanent hypothyroidism.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent hypothyroidism, recurrence in subsequent pregnancies.
Silent Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
mild hyperthyroid symptoms such as palpitations, nervousness, and weight loss; later hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue and cold intolerance
Root Cause:
Autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland without pain, leading to a temporary release of thyroid hormones, followed by a hypothyroid phase.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Thyroid function tests showing hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism; positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies.
Treatment:
Typically self-limiting; beta-blockers may be used for hyperthyroid symptoms, and levothyroxine for hypothyroidism if necessary.
Medications:
Beta-blockers like propranolol for hyperthyroidism; levothyroxine for hypothyroidism if prolonged.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, more common in women and individuals with autoimmune conditions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, recent pregnancy, or pre-existing autoimmune disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting with full recovery in most cases; some may develop permanent hypothyroidism.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent hypothyroidism or recurrence.
Infectious Thyroiditis
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Thyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Thyroiditis
Symptoms:
fever; painful, swollen thyroid gland; neck tenderness; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); symptoms of infection like chills and malaise
Root Cause:
Bacterial or fungal infection of the thyroid gland, typically resulting from hematogenous spread, direct extension from nearby structures, or abscess formation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, blood tests showing elevated white blood cells and inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), thyroid ultrasound, and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to confirm infection.
Treatment:
Antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the underlying infection; drainage of abscess if present.
Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin ) or antifungal agents for fungal infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very rare; more common in immunocompromised individuals or those with predisposing factors like trauma or pre-existing thyroid nodules.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, recent neck trauma or surgery, pre-existing thyroid disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; most recover fully.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Abscess formation, sepsis, or thyroid dysfunction.