The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland, which is present in front of the neck helps in producing thyroid hormones. These hormones are required for carrying out various metabolic functions, growth and development of the body. It also regulates the metabolic rate which controls heart, digestive, and muscular function, improves muscle strength, and controls body temperature.
Subacute thyroiditis is a rare medical condition which causes a sudden onset of pain and discomfort in the thyroid gland. Subacute thyroiditis often caused after the viral infection like mumps, influenza, or from other viral upper respiratory tract illness. At first, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism develop which shows up rapid heart rate, anxiety, and heat intolerance. Later, the symptoms of hypothyroidism persist which displays the condition like fatigue, cold intolerance, and fatigue. Whatever be the situation, the thyroid gland regains its function back.
What are the symptoms of subacute thyroiditis?
Pain in the thyroid gland is the main symptom noticed in patients with subacute thyroiditis. Here, we have listed out a few symptoms of subacute thyroiditis:
- Fever
- Weakness
- Gradual or a sudden onset of pain in the thyroid area
- Tenderness
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Diarrhoea
- Nervousness
If you have any of the symptoms listed above speak to the doctor immediately and get your thyroid gland examined. Your doctor may suggest a blood test to check thyroid hormones and recommend doing imaging technique to check for the inflammation in the thyroid gland. Based on your blood reports, your doctor may prescribe steroid medications or hormone replacement tablets to ease the issue. Shop for medicines online from a trusted online medicine store by uploading your prescription directly on the websites or apps and avoid standing in long queues at medical stores.
What are the four different types of subacute thyroiditis?
Here are the four different subtypes of subacute thyroiditis, and it includes:
Postpartum thyroiditis: Women develop postpartum thyroiditis soon after the delivery and gradually it fades away after 18 months. Also, it occurs in women who are already susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Initially women display hyperthyroidism symptoms and later hypothyroidism symptoms.
Palpation thyroiditis: It occurs when there is a thyroid inflammation caused due to the damage of thyroid follicles. This happens because of the repeated and vigorous examination of the thyroid gland or surgical manipulation.
Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis: This thyroiditis is the most common problem seen in many individuals. Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis is caused by upper respiratory viral infections.
Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis: This thyroiditis develops in women right after delivery. Initially, hyperthyroid symptoms develop within three months of the delivery and later to hypothyroid symptoms which may last for several months.
What causes subacute thyroiditis?
Subacute thyroiditis is often caused due to viral infections of the upper respiratory tract illnesses such as common cold, mumps, or influenza. This cause swelling of the thyroid gland and disrupt hormone function in the body.
What blood and pathology tests reveal when you have subacute thyroiditis?
Here, we have listed out a few parameters which are noticeable during the early and later stage of subacute thyroiditis:
The early stage of the test reveals:
- Low serum TSH levels
- High levels of free T4
- High ESR rate
- Low uptake of radioactive iodine
- High levels of thyroglobulin levels in the serum
The later stage of the test reveals:
- Low serum T4
- High serum TSH
Treatment:
Laboratory abnormalities can be resolved to normal with the right medicines and treatment. Your doctor may treat the issue with the anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAID’s) and if the pain is severe he or she may recommend corticosteroids, beta-blockers, or both to ease pain and inflammation. Buy medicine online from a trusted online medicine site and get amazing discounts on all products you choose with free home delivery.
When to call the doctor?
If you have thyroiditis or if there is a relapse of subacute thyroiditis or if the symptom doesn’t improve even after the medication and treatment, call your healthcare provider immediately.
What are the prevention measures you can take to avoid subacute thyroiditis?
Vaccination is one of the best measures you can take to reduce subacute thyroiditis. Flu vaccine and MMR vaccine help to prevent you from developing subacute thyroiditis.
