Does thyroiditis cause fever?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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 Chen Xie
Endocrinology
59sec home-news-image

Does thyroiditis hurt?

The most common causes of thyroiditis refer to subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis is mainly caused by viral infection, leading to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells. This generally results in pain in the thyroid region, which can even radiate to areas like the back of the neck and ears, with the pain symptoms being relatively significant. Meanwhile, Hashimoto's thyroiditis typically does not present with pain, although a small number of patients may experience localized pain during the onset of the disease, but the symptoms are usually mild. Additionally, the pain in the neck thyroid region associated with subacute thyroiditis varies from person to person, with varying degrees of pain intensity. It is primarily treatable with steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and generally, the symptoms can be relieved after treatment.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
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What department does thyroiditis fall under?

Thyroiditis is a common disease in endocrinology. Thyroiditis refers to the inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be divided into two types: bacterial inflammation and autoimmune inflammation. Clinically, thyroiditis can be categorized into three types: the first is called acute suppurative thyroiditis, the second is called subacute thyroiditis, and the third is called chronic thyroiditis. Acute thyroiditis is a bacterial infection and the pathogens can be either bacteria or viruses. It is generally induced by an upper respiratory infection, which may trigger a bacterial or viral infection in the thyroid. Subacute thyroiditis is not a bacterial infection but an immunological inflammatory infection. The third type, chronic thyroiditis, is also known as Hashimoto's disease. All three types of thyroiditis can be treated in the department of endocrinology.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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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 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 Li
Endocrinology
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Where is the best place to perform moxibustion for thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is relatively common in clinical practice, but we have not yet found that moxibustion directly helps with thyroiditis, so we do not recommend using moxibustion for treatment. Especially for types of thyroiditis that may cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, such as the acute phase of subacute thyroiditis. If moxibustion is applied directly near the thyroid region, it could potentially cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, exacerbating existing symptoms and hindering recovery. When we suffer from thyroiditis, we should choose appropriate treatment plans according to different types. For autoimmune thyroiditis, we can use treatments that regulate immunity, provide symptomatic relief, and supplement or replace hormone levels. Some painless thyroiditis may only require regular follow-ups. For cases of thyroiditis that also involve thyroid enlargement, treatment options like iodine-131 or surgery can be considered depending on the functional status.