What Are The Types Of Thyroiditis?

Acute Thyroiditis

Acute thyroiditis is a type of thyroiditis caused by a painful and aggressive infection that occurs in the thyroid gland. Acute infectious thyroiditis is a rare form of thyroiditis that may affect individuals of any age, but is more prevalent among children. The thyroid gland is well protected within the body from pathogens, which is why this form of thyroid inflammation is rare. An individual affected by this form of thyroiditis will experience a sudden onset of tenderness and pain in one side of their neck, fever, chills, neck area enlargement, a movable lump in the neck, pain when swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. Thyroid hormone levels in acute thyroiditis patients tend to stay stable, but some cases may produce hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. An individual affected by acute thyroiditis can develop an abscess that can be challenging to treat through the use of systemic antibiotics. Long-term thyroid gland dysfunction is a rare complication that may also occur in some patients.

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