Thyroid disease after COVID-19
In some people who COVID-19 suffer, it comes to Sore throat. But such complaints can also last longer after a SARS-CoV-2-Infektion stop. Victims should then seek medical help. Because one could trigger it thyroid disease be.
The thyroid disease subacute thyroiditis de Quervain (SAT) typically occurs following viral respiratory infections. But the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can also favor the often extremely painful disease. This is also shown by a study published in the journal “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” has been published.
Persistent pain in the neck and jaw area
In the spring are multiplied again cold viruses On the way. Next Adenoviren can apparently also what is currently rampant at record highs Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 can be a trigger for the rare but often extremely painful subacute de Quervain thyroiditis (SAT). The Professional Association of German Nuclear Medicine eV (BDN) points this out in a Message there.
The experts therefore advise people who suffer from persistent pain in the neck and jaw area after a viral infection to think about thyroid inflammation.
Risk of illness is currently particularly high
As the BDN writes, the thyroid disease SAT typically subsequent to viral respiratory infections on. But SARS-CoV-2 can also promote SAT, as the observations made in the study mentioned at the beginning shortly after the start of the corona epidemic show.
“If there’s a time when de Quervain’s subacute thyroiditis could be on the rise, it’s now.”says Dr. medical Norbert Czech from the BDN. “The combination of cold viruses, which are particularly rampant in spring, and the current high incidence of corona should make us sensitive to this clinical picture.”
Typical sign of illness
SAT, the exact cause of which is unknown according to experts, can be mild, but the autoimmune disease is usually painful. According to Czech, common complaints are strong Sore throat and neck painwhich can also radiate into the lower jaw and ear region.
“And there is a typical one signs of illness: It hurts as soon as you press lightly against the thyroid from the outside”, according to the expert. Fever, muscle and body aches and fatigue also occur. As the medic explains, this can become serious malaise to lead.
Although SAT heals on its own in about 80 percent of cases within a year, according to the specialist, those affected should consult a nuclear medicine doctor as soon as SAT is suspected.
“Because medical support can not only alleviate the symptoms, but also a possible permanent one hypothyroidism therapy in good time.” Whether an SAT is present can be due to inflammatory and Schildrüsenwerten in the blood, accompanied by examinations of the thyroid gland by ultrasound and scintigraphy.
And in very rare cases, a fine-needle biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Therapy must not be discontinued too early
If the thyroid inflammation is mild, anti-inflammatory painkillers help, which can be given for up to six months. In severe cases, cortisone is also prescribed.
According to the Bremen expert, the symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks. However, the medication should not be stopped too early, because then it almost always comes to one relapse. It is better to gradually reduce the drugs.
It is also important to check the regularly Schildrüsenwerte. Because the SAT, which occurs five times more often in women than in men, usually runs in phases: On a hyperthyroidism This is followed by normal thyroid function for a short period of time until hypothyroidism sets in.
“This subfunction usually returns to normal”, according to Czech. However, if this is not the case, lifelong intake of thyroid hormones becomes necessary to prevent further health consequences. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.