Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland): Hashimoto, DeQuervain, acute thyroiditis

There are 3 different types of thyroiditis, i.e. inflammation of the thyroid gland:

Chronic thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto-thyroiditis, is an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland. This means that the body mistakenly produces defense cells against its own thyroid tissue. However, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Hashimoto is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in humans and is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism. In the initial phase it leads to an overactive thyroid, but usually ends in an underactive thyroid. Typical symptoms are unexplained weight gain, constipation, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, hair loss, cycle irregularities and a depressed mood. The symptoms can vary in severity. However, many patients are symptom-free. At the beginning of the disease, the first disease-specific changes can be detected in a thyroid ultrasound, and subsequently the thyroid gland can be enlarged or reduced in size. Only later can antibodies be detected in the blood. TPO antibodies and antibodies against thyroglobulin are present in the blood in over 90% of patients. The condition of hypothyroidism is treated with the administration of L-thyroxine (hormone substitution). The inflammation itself remains untreated, but tends to get better with adequate hormone replacement.

Subacute Thyroiditis DeQuervain can be caused by viruses or para-infectious. The patients suffer from severe, painful swelling of the thyroid gland and general symptoms such as fever and fatigue or flu-like symptoms. At the onset of the disease, there is a slight hyperthyroidism, which then changes to an underactive thyroid. This disease usually heals spontaneously.

Acute thyroiditis is a very rare, bacterial or viral inflammation of the thyroid that is associated with pain, reddening and swelling in the thyroid area. Acute thyroiditis can be treated with antibiotics.