Thyroiditis is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes swollen or inflamed. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, and functions to produce thyroid hormones that regulate growth, body metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and help convert food that enters the body into energy. If not treated properly, thyroiditis can cause complications of heart failure and impaired fetal growth in pregnant women.
Thyroiditis can be recognized by the appearance of swelling in the neck, accompanied by pain and fatigue. This inflamed thyroid will also interfere with thyroid hormone production and cause symptoms according to the increase or decrease in hormone production.
If the thyroid hormone production is too much (hyperthyroidism), then the symptoms that will appear are:
- muscle weakness
- Appetite increases
- Easy to sweat
- Heart beating fast
- Nervous, anxious, restless, and irritable
- Hard to sleep
- Tremor
- Sensitive to heat
- Weight loss
However, if the production of thyroid hormone is too little (hypothyroidism), symptoms will appear in the form of:
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Weak
- Depression
- Concentration ability decreased
Causes of Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis can be caused by a variety of things. Based on the cause, thyroiditis is divided into several types, namely:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis This type of thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease, is the most common. This condition is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the thyroid gland, so thyroid hormone cannot be produced in sufficient quantities.
- Postpartum thyroiditis This condition resembles Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the cause is an immune system disorder. However, postpartum thyroiditis only occurs in women after delivery. In most cases, thyroid hormone levels return to normal within 12 months of giving birth.
- Thyroiditis due to radiation This type of thyroiditis is the result of exposure to radiotherapy, which is commonly used to treat cancer.
- Subacute thyroiditis or de Quervain – Swelling of the thyroid gland triggered by a viral infection, such as the flu or mumps. This condition is generally experienced by women aged 20-50 years.
- Sill/painless thyroiditis – Sill/painless thyroiditis caused by a disorder of the immune system. This disorder causes thyroid hormone production to initially increase (hyperthyroidism), then fall below normal (hypothyroidism). Silent thyroiditis it will go away on its own in 12 to 18 months.
- Thyroiditis due to drugs – The type of thyroiditis caused by the use of a drug. Examples of drugs are interferon (hepatitis drug), lithium (bipolar disorder medication), and amiodarone (medicine for heart rhythm disturbances).
Thyroiditis Diagnosis
The doctor will start the diagnosis process by asking questions about the patient's symptoms and previous illnesses. Then, the doctor will continue with a thorough physical examination.
To confirm the diagnosis, there are several tests that the doctor can do, namely:
- Blood test. The doctor will check the thyroid hormone in the blood to determine the type of thyroiditis you have.
- Thyroid scan. This test uses an instrument to visualize the thyroid gland, so the doctor can see the shape, size, and position of the thyroid gland.
- Radioactive iodine test. Performed to measure the ability of the thyroid to absorb iodine. Iodine is a substance needed by the thyroid to produce hormones. If a little iodine is absorbed, it indicates that the thyroid gland is inflamed. This test is done by giving additional iodine in the form of a pill or liquid, and scanning with a special tool that uses light rays gamma.
Thyroiditis Treatment
Treatment of thyroiditis in each person can be different. The doctor will determine the appropriate treatment method according to the cause and symptoms that appear.
For example, if the patient has symptoms such as a fast heart beat or tremors due to high thyroid hormone levels, the doctor will prescribe beta-blocking heart rhythm-regulating drugs, such as propranolol, atenolol, or metaprolol, as well as drugs to lower thyroid hormone levels. However, if the patient experiences symptoms caused by a lack of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism), the doctor will give additional synthetic thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism).levothyroxine).
Several types of thyroiditis, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an incurable condition. However, treatment is still done to relieve the symptoms that appear. Discuss further with your doctor about how to treat thyroiditis and the risks.
