Health Encyclopedia

Subacute thyroiditis

Definition

Subacute thyroiditis is an immune reaction of the thyroid gland that often follows an upper respiratory infection.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.

Alternative Names

De Quervain's thyroiditis; Subacute nonsuppurative thyroiditis; Giant cell thyroiditis; Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis; Hyperthyroidism - subacute thyroiditis

Causes

Subacute thyroiditis is an uncommon condition. It is thought to be the result of a viral infection. The condition often occurs a few weeks after a viral infection of the ear, sinus, or throat, such as mumps, the flu, or a common cold.

Subacute thyroiditis occurs most often in middle-aged women with symptoms of a viral upper respiratory tract infection in the past month.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland. Sometimes, the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears. The thyroid gland may be painful and swollen for weeks or, in rare cases, months.

Other symptoms include:

Tenderness when gentle pressure is applied to the thyroid gland
Difficulty or painful swallowing, hoarseness
Fatigue, feeling weak
Fever

The inflamed thyroid gland may release too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:

More frequent bowel movements
Hair loss
Heat intolerance
Irregular (or very light) menstrual periods in women
Mood changes
Nervousness, tremor (shakiness of the hands)
Palpitations
Sweating
Weight loss, but with increased appetite

As the thyroid gland heals, it may release too little hormone, causing symptoms of hypothyroidism, including:

Cold intolerance
Constipation
Fatigue
Irregular (or heavy) menstrual periods in women
Weight gain
Dry skin
Mood changes

Thyroid gland function often returns to normal over a few months. During this time you may need treatment for your underactive thyroid. In rare cases, hypothyroidism may be permanent.

Exams and Tests

Laboratory tests that may be done include:

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level
T4 (thyroid hormone, thyroxine) and T3 level
Radioactive iodine uptake
Thyroglobulin level
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
C reactive protein (CRP)
Thyroid ultrasound

In some cases, a thyroid biopsy may be done.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and treat hyperthyroidism, if it occurs. Drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen are used to control pain in mild cases.

More serious cases may need short-term treatment with drugs that reduce swelling and inflammation, such as prednisone. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are treated with a class of drugs called beta-blockers.

If the thyroid becomes underactive during the recovery phase, thyroid hormone replacement may be needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The condition should improve on its own. But the illness may last for months. Long-term or severe complications do not often occur.

The condition is not infectious. People cannot catch it from you. It is not inherited within families like some thyroid conditions.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of this disorder.
You have thyroiditis and symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Prevention

Vaccines that prevent viral infections such as the flu may help prevent subacute thyroiditis. Other causes may not be preventable.

References

Brent GA, Weetman AP. Hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 13.

Hollenberg A, Wiersinga WM. Hyperthyroid disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 12.

Lakis ME, Wiseman D, Kebebew E. Management of thyroiditis. In: Cameron AM, Cameron JL, eds. Current Surgical Therapy. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:764-767.

Tallini G, Giordano TJ. Thyroid gland. In: Goldblum JR, Lamps LW, McKenney JK, Myers JL, eds. Rosai and Ackerman's Surgical Pathology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 8.

Review Date:2/1/2022
Reviewed By:Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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