Thyroiditis


Where is the best place to perform moxibustion for thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis is relatively common in clinical practice, but we have not yet found that moxibustion directly helps with thyroiditis, so we do not recommend using moxibustion for treatment. Especially for types of thyroiditis that may cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, such as the acute phase of subacute thyroiditis. If moxibustion is applied directly near the thyroid region, it could potentially cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, exacerbating existing symptoms and hindering recovery. When we suffer from thyroiditis, we should choose appropriate treatment plans according to different types. For autoimmune thyroiditis, we can use treatments that regulate immunity, provide symptomatic relief, and supplement or replace hormone levels. Some painless thyroiditis may only require regular follow-ups. For cases of thyroiditis that also involve thyroid enlargement, treatment options like iodine-131 or surgery can be considered depending on the functional status.


Does thyroiditis cause fever?
The causes of thyroiditis can be divided into subacute thyroiditis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Subacute thyroiditis is mainly due to viral infections, with apparent tenderness in the thyroid area, and this type of subacute thyroiditis can cause fever. Its treatment mainly involves non-steroidal medications, or steroids can be used during inflammation, The course of subacute thyroiditis is self-limiting and can be cured, whereas autoimmune thyroiditis is caused by autoantibodies that destroy the thyroid follicular cells, and this type of thyroiditis does not cause fever. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)


How is thyroiditis treated?
Thyroiditis is primarily divided into acute, subacute, and chronic types, along with some painless and postpartum thyroiditis. If it is acute or subacute thyroiditis, it is a self-limiting disease caused by viral infections, and there is no need to use drugs that adjust thyroid function. Treatment mainly involves the use of non-steroidal or hormonal medications, as well as drugs that control heart rate. If it is autoimmune thyroiditis, commonly referred to as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it often presents with positive thyroid antibodies. In the early stages, thyroid function may be normal, but typically progresses to reduced thyroid function over time. When thyroid function tests reveal reduced thyroid function, timely supplementation of thyroid hormone levels can control this type of autoimmune thyroiditis within a normal range. Additionally, for painless thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis, particularly the latter, which is often related to the mechanism of postpartum immune changes, it primarily depends on whether thyroid function has changed. If there is no change in thyroid function, treatment is temporarily unnecessary. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)


What are the symptoms of thyroiditis?
The symptoms of thyroiditis, if in the early stages, include fever, particularly in the afternoon and evening, with some individuals' temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Secondly, there is neck pain, which is tender to touch. Thirdly, there may be mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations, insomnia, irritability, weight loss, and increased frequency of bowel movements. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and undergo diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a doctor.


Symptoms of hypothyroidism in thyroiditis
There are many types of thyroiditis, and the most common one associated with hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include multi-system involvement. In the nervous system, it manifests as reduced memory and attention, and drowsiness; in the cardiovascular system, it presents as bradycardia, faint heart sounds, and cardiac enlargement; in the musculoskeletal system, it manifests as slowed movement and joint disorders; in the digestive system, it presents as loss of appetite, bloating, and constipation; in the respiratory system, it manifests as weak and shallow breathing; in the hematologic system, it can manifest as anemia; in the endocrine system, it can present as reduced gonadal function accompanied by hyperprolactinemia, menorrhagia, amenorrhea or infertility, hair loss, and the skin and mucous membranes appear pale with myxedema.


What are the symptoms of thyroiditis?
Subacute thyroiditis is commonly referred to, and it is frequently seen clinically with symptoms such as fever, pain in the neck, and mild hyperthyroidism symptoms in the early stages, such as palpitations, insomnia, weight loss, irritability, and increased frequency of bowel movements. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, it is important to promptly visit an endocrinology specialist to see if you are suffering from subacute thyroiditis. Diagnosis can be confirmed through blood tests, thyroid function tests, thyroid ultrasound, routine blood tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate tests.


Symptoms of thyroiditis and hypothyroidism
Because the onset of hypothyroidism is gradual, its early symptoms are atypical. Specific symptoms only appear when there is a decrease in basal metabolic rate and a reduction in sympathetic nerve excitability. Generally, symptoms include cold intolerance, fatigue, swelling of hands and feet, drowsiness, memory decline, reduced sweating, joint pain, weight gain, constipation, and menstrual irregularities such as heavy or light periods, or infertility in women of childbearing age. Additionally, some common clinical signs include expressionless face, slow response, hoarse voice, hearing impairment, pale complexion, edema around the eyelids, face and lower limbs, thick tongue coating often with teeth marks. Moreover, there are also associated symptoms such as dry skin, flaky skin, low skin temperature, and the hands and feet turning a yellowish-orange color.