E06: Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the thyroid gland, a small organ located in your neck responsible for controlling your body's metabolism. It's typically caused by an autoimmune response or a viral infection, and may result in either overactive or underactive thyroid function, termed as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism respectively. Common symptoms include neck discomfort, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, weight changes, mood alterations, and potentially, a noticeable swelling in the neck area known as a goiter. The progression of the disease can vary, with some forms like Hashimoto's thyroiditis causing long-term hypothyroidism, while others like subacute thyroiditis usually resolve after a few weeks or months. Regardless of the type, thyroiditis primarily affects your endocrine system, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate many of your body's functions.