pajzsmirigygyulladások

Pajzsmirigygyulladások, known in English as thyroiditis, refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. This inflammation can disrupt the normal function of the thyroid, leading to either an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), or sometimes normal thyroid function. There are several types of thyroiditis, each with distinct causes and presentations.

One common form is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This typically leads to hypothyroidism over time. Another type is postpartum thyroiditis, which can occur in women after childbirth and may be temporary or permanent. Subacute thyroiditis, often thought to be viral in origin, usually presents with a painful, enlarged thyroid and initially causes hyperthyroidism followed by a period of hypothyroidism, often resolving completely. Acute thyroiditis is a rarer, bacterial infection of the thyroid that causes sudden pain, fever, and swelling, requiring prompt antibiotic treatment. Riedel's thyroiditis is an extremely rare condition characterized by a hard, woody thyroid gland due to fibrosis, the exact cause of which is unknown.

Symptoms of thyroiditis can vary depending on the type and whether thyroid hormone levels are high, low, or normal. They may include neck pain or tenderness, swelling in the neck, fatigue, weight changes, changes in heart rate, and mood disturbances. Diagnosis often involves blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3), thyroid antibodies, and sometimes imaging studies like an ultrasound or a radioactive iodine uptake scan. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the resulting thyroid function, ranging from symptomatic relief to thyroid hormone replacement therapy or medication to control hyperthyroidism.