Subacute ThyroiditisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Subacute Thyroiditis
Subacute thyroiditis is an immune reaction against the thyroid gland that often follows an upper respiratory infection.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.
De Quervain's thyroiditis; Subacute nonsuppurative thyroiditis; Giant cell thyroiditis; Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis; Hyperthyroidism - subacute thyroiditis
Subacute thyroiditis is an uncommon condition. It is thought to be the result of a viral infection. The condition often occurs a few weeks after a viral infection of the ear, sinus, or throat, such as mumps, the flu, or a common cold.
Subacute thyroiditis occurs most often in middle-aged women with symptoms of a viral upper respiratory tract infection in the past month.
The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland. Sometimes, the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears. The thyroid gland may be painful and swollen for weeks or, in rare cases, months.
Other symptoms include:
- Tenderness when gentle pressure is applied to the thyroid gland
- Difficulty or painful swallowing, hoarseness
- Fatigue, feeling weak
- Fever
The inflamed thyroid gland may release too much thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:
- Fatigue, feeling weak
- Frequent bowel movements
- Heat intolerance
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Mood changes, such as irritability
- Muscle cramps
- Nervousness, restlessness
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
As the thyroid gland heals, it may release too little hormone, causing symptoms of hypothyroidism, including:
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Irregular (or heavy) menstrual periods in women
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
Thyroid gland function often returns to normal over a few months. During this time you may need treatment for your underactive thyroid. In rare cases, hypothyroidism may be permanent.
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and treat hyperthyroidism, if it occurs. Medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen are used to control pain in mild cases.
More serious cases may need short-term treatment with medicines that reduce swelling and inflammation, such as prednisone. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are treated with a class of medicines called beta-blockers.
If the thyroid becomes underactive during the recovery phase, thyroid hormone replacement may be needed.
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Endocrinology
Yamuna Gorantla is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Gainesville, Georgia. She has been practicing medicine for over 16 years. Dr. Gorantla is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis. She is also highly rated in 33 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Hyperparathyroidism, Thyroid Storm, Hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Dr. Gorantla is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes And Metabolism - 2020 and American Board Of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine - 2018. Dr. Gorantla is currently accepting new patients.
Magdalena Stasiak practices practicing medicine in Lodz, Poland. Ms. Stasiak is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Subacute Thyroiditis, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroidism, and Cushing's syndrome due to Adrenal Tumor.
Ilaria Muller practices practicing medicine in Milan, Italy. Ms. Muller is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis. She is also highly rated in 7 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease, Subacute Thyroiditis, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The condition should improve on its own. But the illness may last for months. Long-term or severe complications do not often occur.
The condition is not infectious. People cannot catch it from you. It is not inherited within families like some thyroid conditions.
Contact your health care provider if:
- You have symptoms of this disorder.
- You have thyroiditis and symptoms do not improve with treatment.
Published Date: January 25, 2026
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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