Types of Thyroid Inflammation (Thyroiditis)

Thyroid inflammation is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed for various reasons. The thyroid gland is an important organ in the front of the neck that controls the body’s metabolic rate through hormone production. Thyroid inflammation can take various forms and can be classified as acute, subacute and chronic.

Acute Thyroiditis

Acute thyroiditis is a rare type of thyroid inflammation, usually caused by bacterial infections. It is characterized by symptoms such as sudden neck pain, difficulty swallowing, high fever and sweating. This type of inflammation is a pyogenic infectious disease and in cases of severe infection, high doses of antibiotics should be administered. Surgical drainage may be necessary if abscesses form.

Subacute Thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis occurs with sudden onset of symptoms and is mostly caused by viral causes. This type of inflammation is characterized by symptoms such as pain and swelling of the thyroid gland, difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. It can also cause temporary hyperthyroidism with symptoms such as palpitations, sweating and irritability.

1. Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis:
   In this inflammation, which develops as a result of viral infections, the thyroid gland enlarges and patients develop symptoms such as fever, weakness and pain. A decrease in TSH level is observed with an increase in thyroid hormones. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and cortisone can be used in treatment. If necessary, it is supported with betablockers.
2. Subacute Lymphocytic Thyroiditis (Painless Thyroiditis):
   This type of inflammation, associated with autoimmunity, is characterized by transient thyrotoxicosis (overproduction of thyroid hormones). Thyroid scintigraphy shows zero activity. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms with betablockers. Antithyroid drugs are not usually used.

Chronic Thyroiditis

Chronic thyroiditis is characterized by autoimmune diseases and infections that cause long-term inflammation of the thyroid gland. The most common of these types of thyroiditis are Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Riedel’s Thyroiditis.

• Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: The most common type of thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease. It usually occurs in middle-aged women and hardens as the thyroid gland grows. Patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, easy fatigue and goiter development. Thyroid hormone replacement is used in treatment. Hypothyroidism is common in Hashimoto’s patients and the disease may require lifelong treatment.
• Riedel’s Thyroiditis: This rare thyroiditis is characterized by hardening of the thyroid gland and adhesion to surrounding tissues. It may cause a picture that can be confused with cancer. Surgical treatment is only performed in case of compression symptoms or suspicion of cancer.

Treatment of Thyroid Inflammation

Treatment of thyroid inflammation depends on the type of disease. Acute thyroiditis requires antibiotics and drainage, while subacute thyroiditis requires anti-inflammatory drugs. In chronic thyroiditis, hormone replacement therapy may often be required. In all cases, early diagnosis and correct treatment are crucial in preserving thyroid function,

For detailed information about thyroid gland diseases, you can visit our article “What are Thyroid Gland Diseases and How Are They Treated?“.