Thyroiditis Health Dictionary

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Thyroiditis: From 3 Different Sources

Inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Thyroiditis occurs in several different forms.

The most common is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that results in hypothyroidism.

Less commonly, the inflammation is associated with a viral infection, or it may occur temporarily soon after childbirth; in both these cases, long-term damage to the gland is uncommon.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
See under THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. inflammation of the thyroid gland. Acute thyroiditis is due to bacterial infection, and subacute (or de Quervain’s) thyroiditis is caused by a viral infection. Chronic thyroiditis is commonly caused by an abnormal immune response (see autoimmunity) in which lymphocytes invade the tissues of the gland. See Hashimoto’s disease.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

An autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system develops antibodies against its own thyroid gland cells. As a result, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism. The principal symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are tiredness, muscle weakness, and weight gain, and the thyroid gland becomes enlarged.

Diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests.

Treatment is by thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which is life-long.... hashimoto’s thyroiditis


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