Autoimmune Thyroiditis Symptoms
Thyroiditis is swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland. In autoimmune diseases antibodies incorrectly identify healthy cells for invading cells and mistakenly attack them. When antibodies attack the cells of the thyroid gland it becomes inflamed, resulting in autoimmune thyroiditis.
Types of Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Hashimoto's disease is the most common type of thyroiditis
- Graves' disease
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
Symptoms
It is possible for an individual to suffer from autoimmune thyroiditis and exhibit no symptoms. However, there are many common symptoms that help identify the condition. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are the same as that of thyroiditis and will usually become more pronounced as the disease progresses.
- Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
- Inflammation of one or both sides of the thyroid gland
- Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
- Lethargy
- Aversion to cold
- Constipation
- Facial swelling
- Weight gain
- Achy muscles, sometimes localized to the shoulders and/or hips
- Muscle weakness
- Swollen joints, especially in the hands and feet
- Stiff joints
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Goiter
- Hoarse voice
- Dry skin
- High cholesterol levels
- Hair loss
- Unusual or change in menstrual cycle
Other Factors
Researchers have compiled a list of characteristics and conditions that may indicate a predisposition to autoimmune thyroiditis.
- Heredity
- More common among women
- Onset often occurs between the ages of 40 and 60
- Presence of another autoimmune issue
- Rheumatoid arthritis
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Certain symptoms indicate a severely abnormal level of thyroid hormones that can be life threatening. Individuals experiencing any of the following symptoms must seek immediate medical attention.
- Severe confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Very low blood pressure
- Very slow heart rate
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
- Acute eye pain
- Unexplained and acute headache
- Acute vomiting and/or diarrhea