What department does thyroiditis fall under?

Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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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 Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How is thyroiditis treated?

The treatment of thyroiditis begins first with ensuring adequate rest and avoiding strenuous physical activities. Secondly, if the patient experiences symptoms such as fever and neck pain, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications can be administered, such as celecoxib and indomethacin. Thirdly, if neck pain is particularly severe, integration with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments can be beneficial. In TCM, modifications of Xiao Chai Hu Tang can be used to clear heat and detoxify. At home, throat-soothing and pain-relieving medicines can be used, and locally applied Chinese herbal plasters can help reduce nodules and alleviate pain. If symptoms like fever and neck pain occur, it is essential to visit a hospital promptly for treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Does thyroiditis cause a sore throat?

Thyroiditis often refers to subacute thyroiditis, a disease caused by a viral infection. The most common symptoms include sore throat, fever, pain in the front of the neck, palpitations, and weight loss. Therefore, many people might think it is a throat inflammation and initially visit an otolaryngologist. In such cases, it is essential to promptly check thyroid function and perform a thyroid ultrasound, as well as examine erythrocyte sedimentation rate and complete blood count. If these symptoms occur, it is important to seek timely treatment from an endocrinology specialist.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Causes of Acute Thyroiditis

We generally refer to acute thyroiditis as an acute suppurative thyroiditis, which is a type of purulent infectious disease, often caused by a mixed bacterial infection, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, gram-negative bacilli, and anaerobes, etc. Patients with compromised or deficient immune functions, such as those with AIDS, leukemia, diabetes, can also have infections like fungi and pneumocystis. Some thyroid nodules, due to events like necrosis or cystic changes from punctures, can also cause a suppurative infection, and this condition is generally common among middle-aged and elderly patients. Therefore, the main cause of acute thyroiditis is mostly due to infections.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Initial symptoms of thyroiditis

If it is the early stage of subacute thyroiditis, the patient will experience a fever, mainly in the afternoon or at night. Secondly, there is pain when bending the neck forward, and many patients feel as if they have a sore throat and thus visit the otolaryngology department. Thirdly, in the early stages, the patient experiences transient hyperthyroidism, with symptoms such as palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, and insomnia. Therefore, with these symptoms, it is advisable to promptly visit an endocrinology specialist for further thyroid function tests and thyroid ultrasound, followed by a definitive diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.