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Thyroiditis - Thyroiditis symptom, treatment, causes

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, most often because of AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE (in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack one or more of the body's own tissues) reactions in the gland. The most common form is HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS.

Subacute (de Quervain's) thyroiditis is probably caused by a virus. Symptoms are mild fever, neckpain aggravated by swallowing or turning the head lassitude. and often HYPERTHYROIDISM (the effects of excessive thyroid hormone). The gland is irregularly enlarged firm and tender, with rest and pain relief the inflammation usually subsides within a few months. In severe cases oral CORTICO STEROID DRUGS may be needed Full recovery is the rule but occasionally Hypothyroidism (thyroid honnone deficiency)may follow.

Riedel's thyroiditis (Riedel's struma) is a rare disorderi n which dense fibrous tissue slowly invades the gland and surrounding tissues, fonning, an irregular, immobile swelling in the neck. Hypothyroidism usually develops. Bacterial infection of the thyroid is rare, but pus and abscess formation may occur if bacteria reach the gland via a penetrating wound or the, blood-stream. Treatment is by antibiotics and drainage of pus.

The thyroid gland is found low in the neck and is shaped like a butterfly. The most common cause of thyroiditis is called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The thyroid gland makes hormones that control how your body uses energy. Acute thyroiditis included suppurative and nonsuppurative varieties, and chronic thyroiditis included invasive, nonsuppurative, and lymphocytic varieties. The thyroid gland is the biggest gland in the neck. It is situated in the anterior (front) neck below the skin and muscle layers. Additionally, families that suffer from non-thyroid autoimmune disease such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis may also be at risk for the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It produces, secretes, and stores thyroxine (T4 ), a hormone that influences the metabolism of just about every body process. The thyroid helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Hashimoto's thyroiditis often begins with a painless, firm enlargement of the thyroid gland or a feeling of fullness in the neck. This phase can last 3-6 months until the thyroid gland fully recovers.

The sole function of the thyroid is to make thyroid hormone. This hormone has an effect on nearly all tissues of the body where it increases cellular activity. A family history of thyroid disorders is common, with the HLADR5 gene most strongly implicated conferring a relative risk of 3 in the UK. The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is measured to be sure that hypothyroidism is not present. The anti-microsomal antibody test is much more sensitive than the anti-thyroglobulin, therefore some doctors use only the former blood test. The major cause of hypothyroidism, thyroiditis affects about 12 million people in the United States. This condition is more common in women than in men and usually develops between ages 30-50. Thyroiditis can also be seen in patients taking the drugs interferon and amiodarone. The rare, invasive fibrous thyroiditis (Riedel's thyroiditis) presents with a slowly enlarging anterior neck mass that is sometimes confused with a malignancy. It is more prevalent in women than in men (8:1), and its incidence increases with age.

Causes of Thyroiditis

The common Causes of Thyroiditis :

• Lack of insulin production or by the body's inability to process insulin.
• Malfunction of the adrenal gland, is characterized by weakness, loss of weight and appetite, and increased sensitivity to cold.
• Concurrence of giant cell arteritis has been reported in patients with classic de Quervain thyroiditis.
• SAT has been described after bone marrow transplantation for chronic granulocytic leukemia.
• An association between SAT and febrile neutrophilic dermatoses (Sweet syndrome) has been reported.
• Thyroiditis disease is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Thyroiditis

Some common Symptoms of Thyroiditis :

• Fatigue.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Weakness.
• Heavy and irregular menses.
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking.
• Depression.
• Myalgia.
• Weight gain.
• Slow heartbeat.
• Small or atrophic thyroid gland (late in the disease)

Treatment of Thyroiditis

• Pain medications.
• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are treated with a class of medications called beta-blockers (for example, propranolol, atenolol).
• Antibiotics to fight infection.
• In 10% of patients, relapse may occur during tapering of steroids, necessitating reinstitution of higher doses and continuation of steroids for another month.
• Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is treated with thyroid hormone replacement.
• Other forms of treatment for overactive thyroid glands using either antithyroid drugs or surgery may also result in hypothyroidism.
• Hormones to suppress or replace thyroid function.