Is the ESR high in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis belongs to autoimmune thyroiditis, which is caused by the presence of autoantibodies that destroy the thyroid follicular cells, leading to the failure of thyroid cells. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) generally does not increase. However, if a patient experiences neck discomfort or sore throat, and the ESR increases, even accompanied by fever, it is necessary to rule out whether subacute thyroiditis is present. If the patient has subacute thyroiditis, it indicates that a viral infection has caused the destruction of the thyroid cells, which might increase the ESR.

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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis breastfeed?

Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can breastfeed. It is important for those in a hyperthyroid phase, especially when taking anti-thyroid medications, to switch to breastfeeding-safe medications beforehand and to regularly monitor thyroid function to ensure it remains within normal limits. Patients in a hypothyroid phase should also regularly monitor their thyroid function and adjust their replacement medication dosage accordingly. Newborns should have their thyroid function and related antibodies regularly tested from birth onwards. (Please medicate under the guidance of a physician.)

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Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be seen in which department?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, should be seen by an endocrinologist as it is an autoimmune disease. How do we know if it's Hashimoto's thyroiditis? It is typically identified during routine physical examinations that include a thyroid function test. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by a specific antibody, the anti-thyroperoxidase antibody, also known as Tpoab. Many people may have elevated levels of this antibody, yet their thyroid function, such as free T3, T4, and TSH levels, remains normal. In such cases, it is advisable to initially observe the condition dynamically and to regularly recheck thyroid function, as some individuals may gradually develop reduced thyroid function. Thus, regular monitoring of thyroid function is very important.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis heal itself?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that varies in severity. If a patient merely has elevated antibodies but normal thyroid function, there is no need for treatment; regular thyroid function monitoring is sufficient. If a patient has Hashimoto's thyroiditis combined with reduced thyroid function, they should visit an endocrinology specialist and timely supplement thyroid hormones. Therefore, it cannot be categorically stated whether it can be cured or not; it depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients, if their thyroid function is normal, need only monitor their thyroid function.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosed?

Firstly, it is important to check thyroid function for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which involves a specific antibody, the anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb). If this antibody is significantly elevated, it supports the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Additionally, a thyroid ultrasound should be combined, and if there is severe enlargement, a thyroid fine-needle aspiration can be conducted to assist in treatment. After a confirmed diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is also necessary to assess thyroid function to determine if there is concurrent hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Treatment should then be administered based on the specific condition of the patient.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnostic indicators

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis, which can present in various phases regarding thyroid function, manifesting as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or normal thyroid function. Therefore, for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is necessary to check thyroid function to understand its status. Since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis, the thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies are generally elevated. Additionally, it is necessary to perform thyroid ultrasound to assess the thyroid's condition. For some difficult-to-distinguish patients, a further examination such as a 131I uptake test can be conducted, where the uptake rate in Hashimoto's thyroiditis is reduced. Even further, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid can be performed, where we can observe significant lymphocyte infiltration.