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Thyroiditis

What is thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland which is located in front of the neck:


Thyroid Gland - Thyroiditis

What is the cause of thyroiditis?

The inflamed thyroid gland can release an excess of thyroid hormones into the blood stream, resulting in a temporary hyperthyroid state. Once the thyroid gland is depleted of thyroid hormones, the patient commonly goes through a hypothyroid (low thyroid) phase. This phase can last 3-6 months until the thyroid gland fully recovers.

How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

Thyroiditis can be diagnosed based on tenderness and enlargement of the thyroid gland. In some forms of thyroiditis, such as autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), there may be no tenderness or swelling of the thyroid gland. A thyroid scan (a picture taken of the thyroid gland after radioactive iodine is taken by mouth) sometimes is used in making the diagnosis. Thyroiditis can also be diagnosed with a biopsy of the thyroid gland.


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Thyroiditis

Hypothyroidism »

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone production. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body.

This article will focus specifically on hypothyroidism in adults.

What are thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly - formed by two wings (lobes) and attached by a middle part (isthmus).

The thyroid gland uses iodine (mostly available from the diet in foods such as seafood, bread, and salt) to produce thyroid hormones....

Read the Hypothyroidism article »




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