• What is thyroiditis?
• What is the cause of thyroiditis?
• How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

What is thyroiditis?

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

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.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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