How is thyroiditis treated?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 19, 2024
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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
53sec home-news-image

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
58sec home-news-image

How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

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 Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Initial symptoms of thyroiditis

If it is the early stage of subacute thyroiditis, the patient will experience a fever, mainly in the afternoon or at night. Secondly, there is pain when bending the neck forward, and many patients feel as if they have a sore throat and thus visit the otolaryngology department. Thirdly, in the early stages, the patient experiences transient hyperthyroidism, with symptoms such as palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, and insomnia. Therefore, with these symptoms, it is advisable to promptly visit an endocrinology specialist for further thyroid function tests and thyroid ultrasound, followed by a definitive diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
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Causes of thyroiditis

The causes of thyroiditis are mainly divided into several types: The first type is acute thyroiditis, which is mostly caused by bacterial infection. Some abscesses in the thyroid lead to fever and inflammation of the thyroid. Generally, anti-infection treatment can achieve a curative effect. The second type, subacute thyroiditis, is mostly caused by viral infections. It is a self-limiting disease that can be cured by using some analgesics, and even some hormonal medications. Chronic thyroiditis generally arises from autoimmune diseases. Often in the late stages, it causes reduced thyroid function. Since currently there are no drugs to intervene in autoimmune diseases, the main treatment is medication maintenance and control of thyroid function within the normal range. Therefore, the causes of thyroiditis need to be divided into acute, subacute, and chronic thyroiditis to distinguish its causes. (The use of medication should be done under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
1min 24sec home-news-image

How is thyroiditis treated?

Thyroiditis is primarily divided into acute, subacute, and chronic types, along with some painless and postpartum thyroiditis. If it is acute or subacute thyroiditis, it is a self-limiting disease caused by viral infections, and there is no need to use drugs that adjust thyroid function. Treatment mainly involves the use of non-steroidal or hormonal medications, as well as drugs that control heart rate. If it is autoimmune thyroiditis, commonly referred to as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it often presents with positive thyroid antibodies. In the early stages, thyroid function may be normal, but typically progresses to reduced thyroid function over time. When thyroid function tests reveal reduced thyroid function, timely supplementation of thyroid hormone levels can control this type of autoimmune thyroiditis within a normal range. Additionally, for painless thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis, particularly the latter, which is often related to the mechanism of postpartum immune changes, it primarily depends on whether thyroid function has changed. If there is no change in thyroid function, treatment is temporarily unnecessary. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)