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.)