What're the treatments for thyroiditis?
Treatment of thyroiditis may not be required if the symptoms are mild and well tolerated. Alternatively, the use of beta blockers such as propranolol or atenolol may produce significant symptomatic relief by reducing symptoms such as fast heart beats, anxiety, shakiness, and increased sweating. In more severe cases, treatment with antithyroid drugs such as
PTU may be indicated for several weeks. Rarely, if the thyroiditis is particularly severe and debilitating, glucocorticoid therapy (such as prednisone) may be indicated. Some patients with thyroiditis may present with fluctuating symptoms of neck tenderness, thyroid enlargement, awareness of their neck, and fatigue. In these instances, a short therapeutic trial of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent may be indicated to see if patients experience symptomatic relief.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis can usually be treated with thyroid hormone replacement. A small pill taken once a day should be able to regulate the thyroid hormone in the body to normal levels. This medication will, in most cases, need to be taken for the rest of the patient's life. When trying to determine the correct hormone dosage, you may have to return to your doctor several times for adjustments in medication. A yearly visit to your health care provider will help keep your levels normal and help maintain normal health. Be aware of the symptoms. If you note any changes or the return of symptoms, return to your doctor to see if you need to have your medication changed.
The treatment for milder forms of subacute thyroiditis is aspirin, given for the inflammation, swelling and pain. Patients with severe symptoms may be given steroids (cortisone). In most cases, the patient recovers within a few days. In a few people, the illness lasts longer and in some it recurs. In almost one-quarter of patients, a temporary phase of hypothyroidism, which may require treatment with thyroxine, occurs as a result of the severe damage to the thyroid cells. Eventually, the cells recover and the thyroxine treatment can cease.
Most patients who have silent thyroiditis don't need any treatment, but bed rest and beta blockers are occasionally needed to regulate rapid heart beat. Inderal (propanolol) may be prescribed for brief periods of hyperthyroidism. Steroids may be prescribed for severe episodes of acute inflammation. |
