De Quervain's (subacute) thyroiditis: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment

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DE QUERVAIN'S (SUBACUTE) THYROIDITIS

• SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

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INTRODUCTION TO DE QUERVAIN'S (SUBACUTE)
THYROIDITIS

• Thyroiditis refers to an inflammation of the
  thyroid gland. The gland is located in the front
  of your neck and controls your metabolism by
  releasing a series of hormones.
• Most types of thyroiditis do not cause pain in
  the thyroid gland. Nonetheless, they usually lead
  to either overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or
  underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Both of
  these conditions cause symptoms such as weight
  changes, anxiety, and fatigue.
• Subacute thyroiditis (De Quervain's thyroiditis)
  involves swelling (inflammation) of the thyroid
  gland that normally follows an upper respiratory
  infection. It leads to pain and discomfort in the
  thyroid gland. Individuals with this condition
  also suffer from overactive thyroid and later
  develop symptoms of underactive thyroid.

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SYMPTOMS OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• Unlike other forms of thyroid inflammation,
  subacute thyroiditis causes pain in your thyroid
  gland. In some cases, this pain may extend to the
  other parts of your neck, ears, or jaw. Your
  thyroid may be soft and inflamed to the touch. In
  rare cases, painful enlargement of the thyroid
  gland may last for weeks or months. Some of the
  other symptoms of subacute thyroiditis include
• Fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness or tiredness
• Weight changes, difficulty regulating body
  temperature and other metabolism issues

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SYMPTOMS OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• Initially you will develop hyperthyroidism
  symptoms of which include
• Emotional or mental issues like irritability,
  restlessness, trouble focusing
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal menstrual periods in women
• Heat intolerance
• Mood swings
• Sweating and weight loss
• Tremor
• Irregular heartbeat

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SYMPTOMS OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• As the disease advances, hyperthyroidism paves
  way for hypothyroidism, symptoms of which
  include
• Constipation
• Cold intolerance
• Fatigue
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Sluggishness

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CAUSES OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• Subacute thyroiditis is an uncommon condition. It
  is caused by a viral infection. This health
  condition occurs after a viral infection of the
  upper respiratory tract such as common cold,
  influenza and mumps.
• Subacute thyroiditis is common in middle-aged
  women with recent (last month or so) symptoms of
  a viral respiratory tract infection.

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DIAGNOSIS OF SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• Your endocrinologist will diagnose this condition
  by taking blood samples. The result of these
  blood tests will depend on the diseases stage.
  In the initial stages, your thyroid hormone will
  be high, while your thyroid stimulating hormone
  levels will be low.
• The doctor will also take into account your
  recent medical history. He/She will be more
  likely to check for this condition if you have
  recently had an infection.

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TREATMENT FOR SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• Your endocrinologists prime objective will be to
  reduce the pain and control inflammation by
  giving medications like steroids, aspirin, and
  ibuprofen.
• If your doctor detects hyperthyroidism in the
  early stages, he may want to treat this condition
  using beta-blocker medications. It will help
  lower blood pressure and minimize symptoms such
  as irregular heartbeat and nervousness. However,
  the treatment for hyperthyroidism will be
  temporary.

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TREATMENT FOR SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS

• The disease usually occurs in two stages and
  later on you will have hypothyroidism. For that
  youll need hormones to replace those that your
  body is not producing.
• In majority of cases, signs and symptoms resolve
  within a year and a half on their own. However,
  hypothyroidism may end up being permanent but in
  rarity.

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