Does thyroiditis require rest?

Written by Xu Dong Dong
Endocrinology
Updated on March 19, 2025
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Some periods of thyroiditis require rest. The common types of thyroiditis clinically include subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis has a relatively sudden onset, characterized by neck pain radiating to the back of the ear, fever, loss of appetite, tachycardia, muscle pain, excessive sweating, etc. If these acute symptoms are severe, rest is necessary, and treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids is required. If the symptoms are mild, involving only slight pain and discomfort, it might not be necessary to rest and one can continue working, but it is important to reduce the workload. In the case of autoimmune thyroiditis, most patients have a relatively stable condition and can carry on with normal work and life. However, if autoimmune thyroiditis enters a phase of hyperthyroidism with symptoms of high metabolism, it is also necessary to rest for a period. Some patients in the middle to late stages might experience symptoms of reduced thyroid function, such as dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, and edema. If these conditions occur, it is appropriate to take some time to rest.

Other Voices

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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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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.

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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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Thyroiditis Clinical Symptoms

Thyroiditis usually refers to subacute thyroiditis in clinical terms, and its symptoms mainly include the following: Firstly, early stages of the disease typically involve neck pain accompanied by fever, which usually occurs in the afternoon or evening. If it coincides with hyperthyroidism, additional symptoms may include palpitations, weight loss, insomnia, tremors, excessive sweating, increased appetite, irritability, and mood swings commonly associated with hyperthyroidism. Therefore, if these symptoms are present, it is advised to promptly visit the endocrinology department of a hospital for a complete thyroid function test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood routine, and thyroid ultrasonography to establish a clear diagnosis.

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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.)