How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Thyroiditis, clinically more commonly seen as subacute thyroiditis, is primarily caused by viral infections. The main clinical symptoms include pain in the anterior neck accompanied by fever, typically in the afternoon or evening. Upon examination, the thyroid is enlarged and tender. In terms of auxiliary examinations, blood tests reveal that some patients may have elevated white blood cells if there is a concurrent infection, and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Furthermore, initially, there might be mild signs of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid ultrasound may suggest signs of subacute thyroiditis, and the iodine uptake rate is decreased. If further examination is desired, a fine needle aspiration of the thyroid can be performed to help comprehensively consider and confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Does thyroiditis cause fever?

The causes of thyroiditis can be divided into subacute thyroiditis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Subacute thyroiditis is mainly due to viral infections, with apparent tenderness in the thyroid area, and this type of subacute thyroiditis can cause fever. Its treatment mainly involves non-steroidal medications, or steroids can be used during inflammation, The course of subacute thyroiditis is self-limiting and can be cured, whereas autoimmune thyroiditis is caused by autoantibodies that destroy the thyroid follicular cells, and this type of thyroiditis does not cause fever. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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What are the symptoms of thyroiditis?

The symptoms of thyroiditis, if in the early stages, include fever, particularly in the afternoon and evening, with some individuals' temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius. Secondly, there is neck pain, which is tender to touch. Thirdly, there may be mild symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations, insomnia, irritability, weight loss, and increased frequency of bowel movements. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention promptly and undergo diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Liang Yin
Endocrinology
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Symptoms of hypothyroidism in thyroiditis

There are many types of thyroiditis, and the most common one associated with hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include multi-system involvement. In the nervous system, it manifests as reduced memory and attention, and drowsiness; in the cardiovascular system, it presents as bradycardia, faint heart sounds, and cardiac enlargement; in the musculoskeletal system, it manifests as slowed movement and joint disorders; in the digestive system, it presents as loss of appetite, bloating, and constipation; in the respiratory system, it manifests as weak and shallow breathing; in the hematologic system, it can manifest as anemia; in the endocrine system, it can present as reduced gonadal function accompanied by hyperprolactinemia, menorrhagia, amenorrhea or infertility, hair loss, and the skin and mucous membranes appear pale with myxedema.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Is thyroiditis fever dangerous?

Fever symptoms in thyroiditis mainly refer to acute suppurative thyroiditis and subacute thyroiditis. Acute suppurative thyroiditis is a purulent infectious disease, often a mixed bacterial infection, commonly occurring after upper respiratory infections or fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules. Symptoms can include thyroid enlargement, pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can be used for initial treatment. If the pathogen is identified, the type of antibiotic can be adjusted. Some patients may require incision and drainage if an abscess is present, and in very rare cases, complications such as tracheal obstruction or mediastinitis may occur. Additionally, patients with subacute thyroiditis may also experience fever, usually a mild to moderate increase in body temperature, and in some cases, it can reach 40°C. The fever typically peaks around the third to fourth day and subsides in about a week. Patients with this type of fever can generally use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and since subacute thyroiditis is a self-limiting disease, whether the fever in thyroiditis is dangerous depends on the situation.

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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.)