Are you having thyroid pain now?. Do you feel any pain at your neck, just below your Adam’s apple?. If so, then this could be an indication that there is a problem with your thyroid gland. Don’t be alarmed in thinking that this is something abnormal. Actually, it is now becoming more and more common especially among female aging from early 30s to late 50s. You are not alone with this.
Before understanding more about thyroid pain, let’s understand a bit on our thyroid. When i mentioned thyroid, it is simply referring to the thyroid gland which is one of the largest endocrine glands in our body. It is located in the neck area, just below the Adam’s apple. The function of our thyroid gland is to control our body energy usage, makes protein and to control how sensitive the body should react to other hormones. It does this by producing thyroid hormones. The major hormones would be triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both hormone helps to regulate our metabolism as well as growth and function of other systems in our body.
There are a lot of factors that can affect the way our thyroid functions. In specific, either it is producing less hormones (Hypothyroidism) or excessive amount of hormones (Hyperthyroidism). As mentioned, Hypothyroidism is a condition whereby the thyroid gland is producing fewer hormones. It will not cause any thyroid pain but you may feel pain on other parts of the body. Other symptoms for this includes low blood pressure, fluid retention, fatigue, weight gain and your body metabolism slows down. Opposite of it, Hyperthyroidism is a condition where by the thyroid gland is producing excessive hormones causing thyroid pain. It will speed up your body metabolic rate causing high blood pressure, vision problem as well as weight loss.
Thyroid pain causes
If you have thyroid pain, chances are you are having thyroditis. It is actually a group of different thyroid disorders which is causing you to experience pain and inflammation in the thyroid gland. Below are the most common types of thyroditis :
Postpartum thyroiditis
- Due to antibodies that attack thyroid after giving birth
- Occurs during the early 6 month after giving birth. Symptoms, hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism
- Could result in permanent hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- It is caused by antibodies that attack the thyroid and leads to hypothyroidism symptoms
- Will result in permanent hypothyroidism, however it is still treatable
Acute thyroiditis (suppurative thyroiditis)
- Due to bacterial infections
- Symptoms, thyroid pain as well as mild hypothyroidism
Subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain’s thyroiditis)
- Due to virus infection
- It will cause thyroid pain with hyperthyroidism symptoms and hypothyroidism
- Could result in permanent hypothyroidism, however it is still treatable
Drug-induced thyroiditis
- Due to drugs prescription and symptoms will continue as long as the drug is taken
- Symptoms, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
Silent thyroiditis
- Early symptom is hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism
- Could result in permanent hypothyroidism
Radiation-induced thyroiditis
- Due to radiation treatment
- Common symptom is hypothyroidism and usually permanent but treatable
Enlargement of the thyroid gland or swollen thyroid can also cause pain, it is called goiter. It is not associated with any hormones abnormalities but due to iodine deficiency. If the enlargement is large, you will have difficulty in swallowing and breathing. The only treatment in this case will be to undergo surgery.
Thyroid pain – Conclusion
When you are experiencing thyroid pain, even with no visible symptoms it is advisable for you to see your doctor immediately. Proper test will be done to determine the cause of the thyroid pain and determine the correct treatment needed. Even though vast majority of the thyroid pain types is not life threatening, there is always an exception to it. If you have thyroid pain, please go and see your doctor immediately.