Why Is My Thyroid Painful? It Can Be Subacute Thyroiditis

 due to an immune reaction of the thyroid gland which often follows an upper respiratory infection. The thyroid gland is present in the neck, just above where the collarbone meets in the middle. 'The thyroid is a very sensitive and important body organ. In many cases, some people suffer from painful thyroid conditions and this sometimes is a sign of subacute thyroiditis’, shares the best thyroid doctor in Chennai, at Magna Centre. Read on to learn more about this thyroid disease with Magna Centre experts.

What is Subacute Thyroiditis?

In this disorder, inflammation causes the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone in excessive amounts, leading to hypothyroidism. Almost invariably followed by transient hypothyroidism and finally normal thyroid function.

Symptoms of Subacute Thyroiditis

It can be Subacute Thyroiditis if you have the following symptoms:

• The most actual symptom is pain in the neck developed due to a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland
• At first, this disorder causes a viral disease that causes a sore throat however it is a neck pain localized to the thyroid
• The pain may transfer from one side of the neck to the other
• The pain may spread to the ears and jaw and is more hurtful when turning the head or when the patient swallows
• The thyroid gland appears increasingly tender
• At first, this condition is mistaken for a dental issue or ear or throat infection
• Many people become fatigued and feel weakness
• Low temperature fever
• Difficulty or painful swallowing, hoarseness.

Patients at first, with Subacute Thyroiditis, may show symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• More frequent Bowel movements
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Shakiness
• Anxiety and mood swings
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Heat intolerance
• Palpitations
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Hair loss
• Excessive sweating
• Feeling too warm
• Weight loss but increased appetite.
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Dry skin
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Weight gain.

The thyroid gland functions normally after a few months. At this time, the patient may require treatment for an underactive thyroid. In rare cases, hypothyroidism may occur permanently.

Diagnosis of Subacute Thyroiditis:

There are two types of diagnosis conducted for Subacute Thyroiditis:

• Thyroid function blood tests
• Radioiodine thyroid scan and uptake
• The diagnosis of Subacute Thyroiditis is done depending on a patient’s symptoms and the outcomes of the tests and thyroid function blood tests

Sometimes, it may be hard to differentiate Subacute Thyroiditis from Grave disease, in that condition, doctors conduct a thyroid scan and uptake test. In Subacute Thyroiditis due to inflammation, little or no radioactivity is taken up through the thyroid gland while uptake is increased in Grave disease.

Thyroid ultrasonography can also be used to diagnose Subacute Thyroiditis.

Whom to consult?

If you have symptoms of Subacute thyroiditis you should consult with the best thyroid doctor or also best endocrinologist in Chennai at Magna Centre. The doctors at the center specialize in studying, diagnosing, and treating patients with thyroid disorders.

They also conduct essential diagnostic tests and offer suitable treatment plans based on the diagnosis. They can perform thyroid surgery when needed.

• Subacute Thyroiditis Treatment:

Most people completely become normal from this condition. Generally, it resolves on its own in several months, however, sometimes it returns or, more rarely, damages the thyroid gland enough to cause permanent hypothyroidism.

• Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 

In some cases, medications are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin help minimize inflammation. The patient will feel less pain.

• Corticosteroids

It is used when NSAIDs are not effective enough to reduce swelling. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor as required.

• Beta-Blockers

The doctor may recommend beta-blockers in case of hyperthyroidism at its early stage. These medications help reduce blood pressure and heart rate to relieve several symptoms such as anxiety and an irregular heartbeat.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism is essential at the starting phase of the disease. However, it will not be effective once the condition progresses into the next phase. In the later stages of the disease, the patient will get hypothyroidism.

‘The patient will likely require thyroid hormone replacement if the thyroid becomes underactive in the recovery duration’, added a thyroid doctor in Chennai at Magna Centre.