Symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis

At the beginning of inflammation, there are no symptoms. Because of the immune system’s attack on thyroid cells, the gland’s tissue changes. Normal cells are replaced by fibrotic cells, resulting in impaired functioning of the gland.

As a rule, symptoms appear already in the last stages of the disease, when the gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones:

• a dense lump appears on the neck, firm but painless;
• hoarseness, feeling of a foreign object in the throat;
• joint pain;
• weight gain;
• dry skin, brittle nails and hair loss;
• facial swelling;
• a feeling of coldness;
• mental disorders.

The effects of thyroid destruction

There are 2 dangerous complications of autoimmune disease:

1. Primary hypothyroidism. Characterized by weakness, lethargy, drowsiness. Due to the lack of hormones, all body systems are affected. If untreated, hypothyroidism leads to hypothyroid coma.
2. Thyrotoxicosis. The reverse condition where the body suffers due to an overabundance of thyroid hormones. Also affects all systems and organs, if untreated, gradually destroys them.

Thyroiditis is An “intermediate” link before complications of thyroid disease. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it in time – this requires an experienced endocrinologist, who will not write off the patient’s complaints about fatigue or age. We invite you to the Israeli clinic “MDI” for a comprehensive diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis.

Diagnosis

• An appointment with an endocrinologist, history taking and a detailed interview with the patient.
• Blood tests: general, thyroid hormones and antibodies.
• Ultrasound of the gland.
• Scintigraphy.

Once the results are obtained, the doctor can tailor the therapy.