Thyroid inflammation, also known as thyroiditis, can cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of thyroid inflammation include:
Pain and Tenderness
One of the hallmark symptoms of thyroiditis is pain and tenderness in the neck and throat area. This occurs because the thyroid gland becomes swollen and inflamed. The pain may feel like a sore throat or a “lump in the throat” sensation. It can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain may radiate up into the jaw or ears.
Swallowing Difficulties
The inflammation and swelling can sometimes cause difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing. You may feel like food is getting “stuck” or have the sensation of a lump in the throat when you try to swallow.
Hoarse Voice
If the inflammation is putting pressure on the larynx (voice box) or affecting the nerves that control the vocal cords, it can cause voice changes like hoarseness or a “croaky” voice. Your voice may sound lower in pitch or raspier than normal.
Cough
Some people with thyroiditis develop a cough as a symptom. This occurs because the inflammation can irritate the throat and vocal cords, leading to coughing.
Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired and run down is a common symptom. Thyroid inflammation can reduce thyroid hormone levels in the body, which can cause fatigue. The body’s immune response to the inflammation also uses up energy.
Weakness
Muscle weakness may occur, particularly in the upper body around the inflamed thyroid. You may notice problems lifting objects or difficulty completing other physical tasks requiring arm and shoulder strength.
Weight Gain
Some people with thyroiditis experience sudden, unexplained weight gain. This is more likely if the inflammation is causing a drop in thyroid hormone levels.
Muscle Aches
The inflammation can make the muscles in the neck and throat area feel sore. You may experience muscle aches and pains throughout the upper body region.
Difficulty Concentrating
Problems focusing, concentrating, or remembering things can occur if thyroid hormone levels fall. This causes a brain fog-like sensation.
Temperature Sensitivity
You may feel abnormally sensitive to cold or heat temperatures. Some people alternate between feeling hot and cold.
Heart Palpitations
Some individuals with thyroiditis notice their heart skipping beats or pounding harder than normal (palpitations). This is caused by the effect of thyroid inflammation on heart rate.
Anxiety
Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, irritation, or agitation can develop. This relates to the underlying effects of thyroid changes on mood.
Hair Loss
If thyroid hormone levels drop significantly, temporary hair loss may occur. Hair may feel brittle or thin.
Changes in Menstruation
Women may notice changes in the frequency, duration, or flow of menstruation. Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect menstrual cycles.
What causes thyroid inflammation?
There are several possible causes of thyroiditis:
- Viral infections, such as mumps or COVID-19
- Bacterial infections
- Autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease
- Radiation exposure
- Medications like interferon-alpha or amiodarone
- Pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis)
- Injury or trauma to the neck area
- Rare disorders like sarcoidosis or amyloidosis
In many cases, the exact cause of the thyroid inflammation is unknown. Autoimmune problems and viral infections are among the most common triggers.
Types of Thyroiditis
There are several types of thyroiditis, classified by cause and duration of symptoms:
Subacute thyroiditis
Also called granulomatous or de Quervain thyroiditis. Often caused by a viral infection. Symptoms last for 1-3 months before resolving.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
An autoimmune condition causing gradual thyroid failure. Symptoms may come and go over months or years.
Postpartum thyroiditis
Inflammation following pregnancy, possibly due to autoimmune issues. Symptoms last up to 12 months postpartum.
Silent thyroiditis
Mild inflammation that resolves spontaneously in a few months. Often without symptoms.
Acute thyroiditis
Sudden inflammation, usually due to bacterial infection. Requires antibiotic treatment.
Drug-induced thyroiditis
Caused by medications like amiodarone, interferon-alpha, interleukin-2, or lithium. Symptoms resolve if the medication is stopped.
Radiation thyroiditis
Occurs after radiation treatment to the thyroid gland or area. Appears 6 months to 3 years post-radiation.
Riedel’s thyroiditis
A very rare chronic form that can cause extensive scarring of thyroid tissue.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden swelling or pain the neck/throat area
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarse voice that lasts over 2 weeks
- Cough not due to cold or flu
- Unexplained weight changes
- Irregular heart rate or palpitations
A doctor can help diagnose the cause of inflammation and rule out serious conditions like infections or cancer. Prompt treatment helps prevent long-term thyroid damage or complications.
Diagnosing Thyroid Inflammation
To diagnose the cause of thyroid inflammation, doctors may order:
- Physical exam – checking for thyroid enlargement, swelling, nodules
- Blood tests – measure thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3)
- Thyroid antibodies test – checks for Hashimoto’s or Graves’
- Ultrasound – evaluates thyroid structure and detects nodules
- Radioiodine uptake – assesses how well thyroid takes up iodine
- Biopsy – rarely needed to sample thyroid tissue
Based on results, doctors can diagnose the type and cause of thyroiditis. Treatments can then be tailored to the specific condition.
Treatments for Thyroid Inflammation
Treatment options may include:
- NSAIDs – Ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation and pain
- Steroids – Corticosteroids like prednisone to reduce swelling
- Thyroid hormone therapy – Levothyroxine to replace missing hormones
- Radioactive iodine – For chronic Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Surgery – Removing part or all of the thyroid gland
- Antibiotics – For cases caused by bacterial infection
- Immunosuppressants – Drugs like methimazole for autoimmune thyroiditis
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing hormone imbalances until the inflammation subsides.
Self-care and Lifestyle Changes
You can help relieve thyroid inflammation symptoms at home by trying:
- Cold or warm compresses on the neck for pain relief
- Saltwater gargles and throat lozenges for sore throats
- Cough drops or tea with honey to reduce coughing
- Voice rest during severe laryngitis episodes
- Adequate sleep and reduced stress to fight fatigue
- Nutrient rich diet and hydration to support healing
- Gentle stretches and yoga for muscle tightness or spasms
Quitting smoking and avoiding irritants or allergens can also help minimize symptoms flare ups.
Potential Complications
If thyroiditis is left untreated, potential complications include:
- Permanent hypothyroidism – lifelong thyroid hormone deficiency
- Goiter – enlarged thyroid gland
- Thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer
- Myxedema – severe hypothyroidism leading to coma
- Voice changes or airway obstruction from goiter
- Heart problems like arrhythmia due to hormone effects
Prompt medical treatment helps avoid these complications in most people with thyroiditis.
Conclusion
Thyroid inflammation can cause unpleasant symptoms like throat pain, swallowing issues, cough, fatigue, and voice changes. There are many potential causes, including autoimmune disease, infections, radiation, and medications. Doctors can run blood tests and imaging to diagnose the type of thyroiditis. Treatments like NSAIDs, thyroid hormone therapy, steroids, or surgery aim to control symptoms and prevent complications. With proper medical care, most people with thyroiditis recover fully without permanent thyroid damage.