Do you also feel a swollen neck and fatigue? Let's talk about Thyroiditis!

Do you also feel tired and lifeless? Or do you sometimes feel very restless, your heart is beating fast? Maybe you have a small swelling in the front of your neck? If you have one or more of these symptoms, one of the possible reasons behind them is a condition called thyroiditis. Many people are not aware of this. So today we will talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

First, let's see, what is this thyroid gland ?

Simply put, the thyroid gland is a very important little organ in our body. It is shaped like a butterfly and is located at the front of our neck, just below the collarbone. Think of our body as a car. The thyroid gland is like the accelerator that controls the speed of the engine of this car. The hormones secreted by this gland determine how fast our heart, brain, and every other part of our body should work. In other words, our body's metabolism is almost completely controlled by this little gland.

So what is thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is an inflammation or swelling of your thyroid gland. It can happen to anyone, but it is most common in young and middle-aged women. When the gland becomes inflamed, it interferes with its normal function. There are two possible outcomes: 1. Either it produces more hormones than it should. 2. Or it produces less hormones than it should. This condition usually goes through three stages:

What are the symptoms of thyroiditis?

Common symptoms include sudden fatigue , swelling in the front of the neck , and sometimes neck pain . However, symptoms also vary depending on whether your hormone levels are high (hyperthyroidism) or low (hypothyroidism).

What are the causes and main types of thyroiditis?

There are several reasons why your thyroid gland may swell. It could be due to a viral or bacterial infection, certain medications you are taking (Lithium, Interferon), or a problem with your own immune system. There are several main types of thyroiditis:

• Hashimoto's disease: This is the most common type. What happens is that our body's own immune system mistakes the thyroid gland for an enemy and attacks it. It's like our own army attacking our own camp. Over time, the gland weakens and becomes unable to produce enough hormones (Hypothyroidism).

• Subacute thyroiditis: This often occurs after a viral infection such as the flu or a cold . Initially, there is an increase in hormone levels with neck pain (hyperthyroidism), later there is a decrease in hormone levels (hypothyroidism), and eventually, within 12-18 months, the gland returns to normal.

• Postpartum thyroiditis: This condition can occur within the first year after giving birth . Women who have had thyroid problems before are especially at risk. But don't worry, with proper treatment, it usually resolves completely within 18 months.

• Silent thyroiditis: As the name suggests, this type does not cause any major symptoms, especially pain. This is similar to the type that occurs after childbirth. Hormones increase at first, then decrease, and then resolve over time.

How does a doctor accurately diagnose this condition?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms, examine your body, and then recommend one or more tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Blood test: This is the most basic test. It checks the levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) in your blood to get a rough idea of ​​what type of condition you have.

• Radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU): In this test, you are given a small amount of iodine to drink as a pill or liquid. Don't worry, this is not harmful to your body. Then, over the course of 24 hours, a machine will measure how much of the iodine your thyroid gland absorbs.

• Thyroid scan: This also involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your neck and taking a picture of the gland.

• ESR test: This measures the amount of inflammation in the body. If this value is high, it may be a sign of subacute thyroiditis.

• Ultrasound scan: This is a very simple, painless scan. It can clearly see if there are any lumps in your thyroid gland, how the blood flow is, and what the nature of the gland is.

What are the treatments for thyroiditis?

Treatment options depend on the type of thyroiditis you have and the nature of your symptoms.

• Hypothyroidism: If your body is deficient in hormones, your doctor will give you thyroid hormone pills externally. He or she will adjust the dosage as needed as your metabolism returns to normal.

• If there is too much hormone (Hyperthyroidism):If the hormone levels are high, special medications (Antithyroid medicines) are given to control them. Also, medications such as Beta-blockers may be given to control symptoms such as increased heart rate and tremors.

• For pain: If you have neck pain, you may be told to take a simple pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen. If the pain is severe, other treatments may be needed.

Very rarely, if other treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Thyroiditis, Thyroid, Thyroid symptoms, Neck swelling, Hashimoto's disease, Hormonal problems