Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis includes a group of disorders that cause the thyroid to become inflamed, including Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Subacute thyroiditis is a rare condition and is thought to be caused by a viral infection, as it often occurs after one, such as mumps, flu or a cold.
The first signs are soreness and tenderness in the area of the thyroid gland, and sometimes pain spreading to other parts of the neck, ears or jaw, with symptoms of hyperthyroidism;
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sudden weight loss
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- An increased body temperature
- Restlessness
- Trouble concentrating
- Diarrhea
These often later develop into symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Fatigue, Tiredness, Weakness
- Constipation
- Depression/Poor mood/No motivation
- Weight gain
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Over-emotional tendencies
Like all thyroid conditions, it is more common in women than men.
Other symptoms may include:
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or it being uncomfortable
- Fever
If you’re suspected to have this condition, then a full thyroid panel is usually conducted as well as an examination of the affected area. In some cases, a thyroid biopsy may also be done.
In the early stages of this condition, Free T4 levels are usually high while TSH levels are low. In the later stages, TSH levels are usually high while your T4 are low.
The purpose of treatment for the condition is to reduce pain and inflammation and treat hyperthyroidism, if it occurs. Treatment for subacute thyroiditis is usually temporary, as your doctor will eventually wean you off any medications that have been prescribed to treat the condition, as you get better.
The symptoms of subacute thyroiditis usually go away within one to two years, however, hypothyroidism may end up being permanent and medicine needed for life.
The American Thyroid Association estimates that approximately 5 percent of people with subacute thyroiditis develop permanent hypothyroidism.
You can click on the hyperlinks in the above post to learn more and see references to information given, but more reading and references can also be found at: http://www.healthline.com/health/subacute-thyroiditis#Overview1
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000375.htm
http://www.thyroid.org/thyroiditis/
https://wordpress.com/post/theinvisiblehypothyroidism.com/5099
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I also run a group for the spouses, partners and other halves of hypothyroid patients, called Hypothyroid Patients Other Halves – Support & Advice Group. This is for the other halves only and not patients.
-Rachel
