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Painless (silent) thyroiditis Causes and Risks:
The cause of this type of thyroiditis is unknown. The thyroid gland becomes infiltrated with lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The disease affects women more commonly than men and usually develops between 13 and 80 years old. The symptoms are those of hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland) and may last for 3 months or less. Risk factors are being female, over 30 years old, and having a current pregnancy .
Prevention:
Prevention is unknown.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
A physical examination reveals an enlarged thyroid gland. The pulse (heart rate) may be rapid.
Treatment:
Treatment is symptomatic . Beta-blockers (Propranolol and others) relieve the symptoms of rapid heart rate and excessive sweating .
Prognosis:
The disease is usually resolved within 1 year, with the acute phase ending in 3 months. Some people may develop hypothyroidism as a result of this condition, so regular follow-up is recommended.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.
If you have had this disease, regular follow-up is recommended to watch for the development of hypothyroidism .
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