Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland that often follows an upper respiratory infection, resulting in neck pain and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis involves thyroid function blood tests and scans, while treatment may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers to manage symptoms. Most cases resolve on their own, but some patients may develop permanent hypothyroidism and require ongoing treatment.

1. Why Is My Thyroid Painful? It Can Be Subacute
Thyroiditis
Subacute Thyroiditis usually has a sudden onset. It is a disorder that occurs due to
an immune reaction of the thyroid gland which often follows an upper respiratory
infection. The thyroid gland is present in the neck, just above where the collarbone
meets in the middle. 'The thyroid is a very sensitive and important body organ. In
many cases, some people suffer from painful thyroid conditions and this sometimes
is a sign of subacute thyroiditis’, shares the best thyroid doctor in Chennai, at
Magna Centre. Read on to learn more about this thyroid disease with Magna
Centre experts.
What is Subacute Thyroiditis?
In this disorder, inflammation causes the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone
in excessive amounts, leading to hypothyroidism. Almost invariably followed by
transient hypothyroidism and finally normal thyroid function.
Symptoms of Subacute Thyroiditis
It can be Subacute Thyroiditis if you have the following symptoms:
• The most actual symptom is pain in the neck developed due to a swollen and
inflamed thyroid gland
• At first, this disorder causes a viral disease that causes a sore throat however
it is a neck pain localized to the thyroid

2. • The pain may transfer from one side of the neck to the other
• The pain may spread to the ears and jaw and is more hurtful when turning
the head or when the patient swallows
• The thyroid gland appears increasingly tender
• At first, this condition is mistaken for a dental issue or ear or throat infection
• Many people become fatigued and feel weakness
• Low temperature fever
• Difficulty or painful swallowing, hoarseness.
Patients at first, with Subacute Thyroiditis, may show symptoms of
hyperthyroidism include:
• More frequent Bowel movements
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Shakiness
• Anxiety and mood swings
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Heat intolerance
• Palpitations
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Hair loss
• Excessive sweating
• Feeling too warm
• Weight loss but increased appetite.
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Dry skin
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Weight gain.
The thyroid gland functions normally after a few months. At this time, the patient
may require treatment for an underactive thyroid. In rare cases, hypothyroidism
may occur permanently.
Diagnosis of Subacute Thyroiditis:
There are two types of diagnosis conducted for Subacute Thyroiditis:

3. • Thyroid function blood tests
• Radioiodine thyroid scan and uptake
• The diagnosis of Subacute Thyroiditis is done depending on a patient’s
symptoms and the outcomes of the tests and thyroid function blood tests
Sometimes, it may be hard to differentiate Subacute Thyroiditis from Grave
disease, in that condition, doctors conduct a thyroid scan and uptake test. In
Subacute Thyroiditis due to inflammation, little or no radioactivity is taken up
through the thyroid gland while uptake is increased in Grave disease.
Thyroid ultrasonography can also be used to diagnose Subacute Thyroiditis.
Whom to consult?
If you have symptoms of Subacute thyroiditis you should consult with the best
thyroid doctor or also best endocrinologist in Chennai at Magna Centre. The
doctors at the center specialize in studying, diagnosing, and treating patients with
thyroid disorders.
They also conduct essential diagnostic tests and offer suitable treatment plans
based on the diagnosis. They can perform thyroid surgery when needed.
• Subacute Thyroiditis Treatment:
Most people completely become normal from this condition. Generally, it resolves
on its own in several months, however, sometimes it returns or, more rarely,
damages the thyroid gland enough to cause permanent hypothyroidism.
• Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
In some cases, medications are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Medications
such as ibuprofen and aspirin help minimize inflammation. The patient will feel less
pain.
• Corticosteroids

4. It is used when NSAIDs are not effective enough to reduce swelling. The dosage is
prescribed by the doctor as required.
• Beta-Blockers
The doctor may recommend beta-blockers in case of hyperthyroidism at its early
stage. These medications help reduce blood pressure and heart rate to relieve
several symptoms such as anxiety and an irregular heartbeat.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism is essential at the starting phase of the disease.
However, it will not be effective once the condition progresses into the next phase.
In the later stages of the disease, the patient will get hypothyroidism.
‘The patient will likely require thyroid hormone replacement if the thyroid becomes
underactive in the recovery duration’, added a thyroid doctor in Chennai at
Magna Centre.
How to prevent Subacute Thyroiditis?
Vaccines can prevent viral infections such as flu that may help to prevent Subacute
Thyroiditis. Other reasons may not be preventable.
In Subacute Thyroiditis the patient feels pain and swelling in the thyroid gland for
weeks or in rare cases, for months. This condition should be improved on its own. If
the patient experiences symptoms of this disorder and does not improve with
treatment should seek medical attention immediately. Treatment will be provided by
the best doctors at Magna Centre based on the diagnosis and condition of the
patient. However, the disease is not infectious and contagious. It is not a genetic
disease such as thyroid conditions.