Causes of Acute Thyroiditis

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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 Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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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 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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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.

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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 Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Are people with thyroiditis afraid of heat?

Thyroiditis generally refers to subacute thyroiditis. It is a disease caused by the destruction of thyroid follicles due to a viral infection, leading to the release of thyroid hormones into the blood. In the early stages, some people may experience transient hyperthyroidism, with symptoms such as heat intolerance, excessive sweating, palpitations, insomnia, weight loss, and irritability. In addition to these symptoms, thyroiditis can also be accompanied by neck pain and fever, generally occurring in the afternoon or evening. Therefore, it is recommended that anyone with these symptoms should promptly visit an endocrinology specialist to complete thyroid function tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, routine blood tests, and thyroid ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.