skjaldkirtlabólga

Skjaldkirtlabólga, also known as thyroiditis, refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. This chronic condition can manifest in various forms, each with distinct causes and characteristics. Autoimmune thyroiditis, the most common type, occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a prime example, often leading to hypothyroidism over time.

Other forms of thyroiditis include subacute thyroiditis, which is typically viral and temporary, causing neck pain and a transient period of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis is another type that can occur in women after childbirth, often resolving on its own. Reidel's thyroiditis is a rare and aggressive form characterized by dense fibrosis of the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues.

Symptoms of thyroiditis vary depending on the specific type and whether the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Common symptoms can include fatigue, weight changes, changes in heart rate, and neck pain or tenderness. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels and antibodies, and sometimes imaging tests like an ultrasound. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and restoring normal thyroid function, often through medication.