Subacute Thyroiditis

Overview

Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid, often following a viral infection, marked by neck pain and a tender, swollen thyroid. It may cause transient thyrotoxicosis followed by a period of hypothyroidism before recovery.

Symptoms

• Neck pain
• Fever
• Painful goiter
• Palpitations
• Fatigue

Treatment

Mild cases are treated with NSAIDs for pain, moderate to severe cases with short-term corticosteroids, and transient hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism is managed symptomatically.

Dietary advice

Light, easily digestible diet, plenty of fluids, and moderate supplementation of quality protein and vitamins.