Thyroiditis is inflammation (swelling) of the thyroid gland.  This can affect the level of thyroid hormones in your blood.

 

Cause:

You get different types of thyroiditis, all caused by different things including

- auto-immune (Your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland)

- Viral infection

- Bacterial infection

- Radioactive iodine treatment  for cancer or overactive thyroid

 

Symptoms may include:

- Fatigue

- Weight loss/gain

- Constipation

- Dry skin

- Depression

 

Treatment:

Depending on cause, treatment can vary from antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and in the worst case scenario surgery.