Where is the best place to perform moxibustion for thyroiditis?

Written by Zhang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xu Dong Dong
Endocrinology
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Does thyroiditis require rest?

Some periods of thyroiditis require rest. The common types of thyroiditis clinically include subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Subacute thyroiditis has a relatively sudden onset, characterized by neck pain radiating to the back of the ear, fever, loss of appetite, tachycardia, muscle pain, excessive sweating, etc. If these acute symptoms are severe, rest is necessary, and treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids is required. If the symptoms are mild, involving only slight pain and discomfort, it might not be necessary to rest and one can continue working, but it is important to reduce the workload. In the case of autoimmune thyroiditis, most patients have a relatively stable condition and can carry on with normal work and life. However, if autoimmune thyroiditis enters a phase of hyperthyroidism with symptoms of high metabolism, it is also necessary to rest for a period. Some patients in the middle to late stages might experience symptoms of reduced thyroid function, such as dizziness, fatigue, chest tightness, and edema. If these conditions occur, it is appropriate to take some time to rest.

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Can thyroiditis be cured?

Whether thyroiditis can be cured depends on different situations. Subacute thyroiditis is a type of thyroiditis clinically characterized by neck pain and fever, which tends to heal on its own, meaning it can return to normal by itself. However, due to its symptoms of pain and fever, symptomatic treatment can be administered to improve symptoms. Acute suppurative thyroiditis is mainly a type of bacterial inflammation, and most patients can be cured with proper anti-infection treatment. However, more commonly seen in clinical practice are autoimmune-related thyroiditis, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which generally cannot be completely cured. Yet, with proper and long-term medication, thyroid function can be restored to normal and can maintain a stable state for a long time without significantly affecting health.

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Written by Liang Yin
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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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Symptoms of thyroiditis

The symptoms of thyroiditis are related to the cause of the thyroid disease, and different causes lead to different symptoms of thyroiditis. Common subacute thyroiditis may cause pain in the neck and thyroid area, accompanied by fever and pain, and may present as migratory. The thyroid may appear locally enlarged and feel hard to the touch. If it is autoimmune thyroiditis, such as the most common Hashimoto's thyroiditis, there may be no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, transient symptoms of hyperthyroidism may occur, but these symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be cured and do not require special treatment. Then, as the disease progresses and more thyroid destruction occurs, symptoms of hypothyroidism may eventually develop.

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Causes of Acute Thyroiditis

We generally refer to acute thyroiditis as an acute suppurative thyroiditis, which is a type of purulent infectious disease, often caused by a mixed bacterial infection, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, gram-negative bacilli, and anaerobes, etc. Patients with compromised or deficient immune functions, such as those with AIDS, leukemia, diabetes, can also have infections like fungi and pneumocystis. Some thyroid nodules, due to events like necrosis or cystic changes from punctures, can also cause a suppurative infection, and this condition is generally common among middle-aged and elderly patients. Therefore, the main cause of acute thyroiditis is mostly due to infections.