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Subacute thyroiditis

De Quervain's thyroiditis; Subacute nonsuppurative thyroiditis; Giant cell thyroiditis; Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis; Hyperthyroidism - subacute thyroiditis

 

Subacute thyroiditis is an immune reaction of the thyroid gland that often follows an upper respiratory infection.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.

Causes

 

Subacute thyroiditis is a rare condition. It is thought to be caused by a viral infection. The condition often occurs after a viral infection of the ear, sinus, or throat, such as mumps , the flu , or a common cold.

Subacute thyroiditis occurs most often in middle-aged women with symptoms of a viral upper respiratory tract infection in the past month.

 

Symptoms

 

The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland. Sometimes, the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears. The thyroid gland may be painful and swollen for weeks or, in rare cases, months.

Other symptoms include:

  • Tenderness when gentle pressure is applied to the thyroid gland
  • Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness
  • Fatigue , feeling weak
  • Fever

The inflamed thyroid gland may release too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism , including:

  • More frequent bowel movements
  • Hair loss
  • Heat intolerance
  • Irregular menstrual periods in women
  • Mood changes
  • Nervousness, tremor
  • Palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Weight loss, but with increased appetite

As the thyroid gland heals, it may release too little hormone, causing symptoms of hypothyroidism , including:

  • Cold intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Dry skin
  • Mood changes

Thyroid gland function often returns to normal. But in rare cases, hypothyroidism may be permanent.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Laboratory tests that may be done include:

  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level
  • T4 (thyroid hormone, thyroxine) and T3 level
  • Radioactive iodine uptake
  • Thyroglobulin level
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

In some cases, a thyroid biopsy may be done.

 

Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and treat hyperthyroidism, if it occurs. Drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen are used to control pain in mild cases.

More serious cases may need short-term treatment with drugs that reduce swelling, such as prednisone. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are treated with a class of drugs called beta-blockers.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The condition should improve on its own. But the illness may last for months. Long-term or severe complications do not often occur.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms of this disorder.
  • You have thyroiditis and symptoms do not improve with treatment.

 

Prevention

 

Vaccines that prevent viral infections such as the flu may help prevent subacute thyroiditis. Other causes may not be preventable.

 

 

Open References

References

Davies TF, Laurberg P, Bahn RS. Hyperthyroid disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 12.

Guimaraes VC. Subacute and Riedel's thyroiditis. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 87.

 
  • Endocrine glands

    Endocrine glands - illustration

    Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

    Endocrine glands

    illustration

  • Thyroid gland

    Thyroid gland - illustration

    The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.

    Thyroid gland

    illustration

    • Endocrine glands

      Endocrine glands - illustration

      Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).

      Endocrine glands

      illustration

    • Thyroid gland

      Thyroid gland - illustration

      The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.

      Thyroid gland

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Tests for Subacute thyroiditis

       
       

      Review Date: 2/3/2016

      Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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