Is thyroiditis contagious?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Thyroiditis, based on its cause, can be classified into subtypes such as subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis is primarily caused by viral infections leading to the destruction of the thyroid follicular structure, and it is not contagious. Autoimmune thyroiditis primarily involves the presence of autoantibodies within the body, which lead to the destruction of thyroid follicles and consequently to the apoptosis of thyroid cells. This cause is also non-contagious. Therefore, thyroiditis cannot be transmitted, but it does have genetic susceptibility. For patients whose parents have thyroiditis, their children may also have thyroiditis.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
1min 11sec home-news-image

What department does thyroiditis fall under?

Thyroiditis is a common disease in endocrinology. Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be divided into two types: bacterial inflammation and autoimmune inflammation. Clinically, thyroiditis can be categorized into three types: the first is called acute suppurative thyroiditis, the second is called subacute thyroiditis, and the third is called chronic thyroiditis. Acute thyroiditis is a bacterial infection and the pathogens can be either bacteria or viruses. It is generally induced by an upper respiratory infection, which may trigger a bacterial or viral infection in the thyroid. Subacute thyroiditis is not a bacterial infection but an immunological inflammatory infection. The third type, chronic thyroiditis, is also known as Hashimoto's disease. All three types of thyroiditis can be treated in the department of endocrinology.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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Is thyroiditis serious?

Thyroiditis, in simpler terms, refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, making it easier for non-medical individuals to understand. Clinically, subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis are more common types of thyroid inflammation. These two have different causes and thus present different symptoms. Subacute thyroiditis might display severe symptoms as patients often experience significant thyroid pain and even general discomfort and muscle pain, which are relatively intense. However, if medications are administered during the acute phase, it might not necessarily have long-term effects on these patients. On the other hand, patients with autoimmune thyroiditis may not show obvious clinical symptoms, but they are prone to develop permanent hypothyroidism later, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation. (Specific medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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There are several types of thyroiditis.

Thyroiditis primarily includes acute, subacute, and chronic forms. Acute and subacute thyroiditis are generally seen in bacterial and viral infections, while chronic thyroiditis mainly consists of autoimmune thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis, and postpartum thyroiditis. However, autoimmune thyroiditis itself encompasses five scenarios, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, atrophic thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis, euthyroid thyroiditis, and Hashitoxicosis. These types of thyroiditis are mainly seen in chronic thyroid conditions and are all autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the type of thyroiditis should be determined based on the cause to develop appropriate treatment plans.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

Thyroiditis, clinically more commonly seen as subacute thyroiditis, is primarily caused by viral infections. The main clinical symptoms include pain in the anterior neck accompanied by fever, typically in the afternoon or evening. Upon examination, the thyroid is enlarged and tender. In terms of auxiliary examinations, blood tests reveal that some patients may have elevated white blood cells if there is a concurrent infection, and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Furthermore, initially, there might be mild signs of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid ultrasound may suggest signs of subacute thyroiditis, and the iodine uptake rate is decreased. If further examination is desired, a fine needle aspiration of the thyroid can be performed to help comprehensively consider and confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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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)