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Suppurative thyroiditis is not very common. In this condition, the patient experiences sudden, painful enlargement of the thyroid gland, cause by an infection of the gland. Treatment is with antibiotics and/or surgical drainage of any pus collections.
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- The thyroid gland is swollen, red, hot, and very painful.
- The patient may also have fevers, chills, and look quite ill.
- Sometimes, the infection spreads to other structures in the neck, or to other parts of the body.
- The patient may temporarily have symptoms of Hyperthyroidism.
- If the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, it may put pressure on some of the other structures in the neck.
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- Suppurative thyroiditis is usually caused by bacterial infection of the thyroid gland.
- Generally, the infection begins in the thyroid gland. The infection may also spread to the thyroid gland from other parts of the body.
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- Symptoms and examination help make the diagnosis.
- Usually, the T4 and T3 resin uptake (these are tests of the thyroid gland) are increased.
- Blood tests may show a high white blood cell count.
- The ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may also be increased.
- If needed, an aspiration can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
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- Treatment is with antibiotics to fight the infection.
- In some cases, surgery may be necessary to pus.
- Usually, with appropriate antibiotics, response is good.
- Medicines may have to be used to control any hyperthyroid symptoms that develop.
- Patients may require medications to control pain.
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