Thyroiditis

The inflammation or swelling of the thyroid gland is called thyroiditis. It is caused by the attack of certain agents, such as antibodies, drugs, radiation or bacteria, on the thyroid. Hence, thyroiditis can be an autoimmune disease, a disease in which the body attacks itself. There are three phases of thyroiditis:

• Thyrotoxic phase in which the thyroid produces excessive hormones. This is the initial phase.

• Hypothyroid phase in which the thyroid does not have enough hormones to release after the initial phase of excessive hormones production.

• Euthyroid phase in which the thyroid functions normally. This phase may come temporarily between thyrotoxic phase and hypothyroid phase or after the hypothyroid phase when the inflammation has been treated.

There are different types of thyroiditis depending on the agent causing the inflammation, including:

• Acute thyroiditis caused by infectious organism or bacteria. It is relatively rare.

• Drug-induced thyroiditis caused by the use of drugs. It is uncommon in normal population.

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis caused by anti-thyroid antibodies. This is most prevalent in women than in men and is most common in normal population.

• Post-partum thyroiditis caused by anti-thyroid antibodies in women after delivery.

• Radiation-induced thyroiditis caused when a person is exposed to external radiations during cancer treatments or by radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism.

• Silent thyroiditis caused by anti-thyroid antibodies, most common in women and second most common after the Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

• Sub acute thyroiditis caused by a virus. It is often painful.

When to seek expert advise

Consult one of our highly skilled doctors at Internal Medicine Service Line​ if you notice any swelling in your lower neck area along with any of the above mentioned symptoms. ​