Can Thyroid May Be A Marker for Covid-19 Infection?

Reports from a new study in an Italy hospital suggests that Covid-19 could cause subacute thyroiditis. Thyronorm 50 is effective in the treatment of thyroid disease.

Understanding the Link Between COVID-19 and Subacute Thyroiditis

Clinicians from the hospital in Italy suggests that the coronavirus disease could be considered accountable for the onset of a thyroid disorder- subacute thyroiditis in the patient. In the Italy hospital, the physician found the first case of subacute thyroiditis after Covid-19 in an 18-year patient. According to them, it would be the first example of the thyroid condition caused by the coronavirus disease. Reports suggest that the eighteen-year-old female underwent COVId-1l9 test on February 28, 2020.

After a few days, the patient begins to experience cough and rhinorrhoea, which was classified as mild symptoms of the respiratory disease. The symptoms were left untreated, and the patient recovered within four days. The same patient underwent two additional Covid-19 tests on March 13, and March 14, both the test turned back negative. After the negative tests, the patients reported having a sudden rise in temperature of 99.5-degree Fahrenheit fever accompanied by palpitations and neck pain radiating to the jaw. Due to the severity of pain, the patient was admitted to the hospital on March 19.

Following the admission, a physical exam by medical experts indicated the heart rate of 90 beats per minute, and the thyroid gland was found to be enlarged. The patient suffered from slight tenderness and pain. Results of laboratory tests found a high level of thyroxine hormone and free triiodothyronine, undetectable TSH, and a rise in inflammatory markers and WBCs (white blood counts). An ultrasound of the neck performed at the hospital shows a bilateral and diffuse hypoechoic area. A physical exam performed on 20 February, indicating a normal thyroid function. The patient got rid of the fever and neck pain within two days of receiving 25 mg prednisone. On April 27, a follow-up test returned normal for thyroid function. As per the study, this was the first case of SAT related to COVID-19.

According to experts, the SAT has been associated with several viral infections. It develops after the infection of the upper respiratory tract leading to neck pain and swelling of thyroid gland along with symptoms such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. With blood tests and imaging, clinicians typically diagnose SAT. Treatment with steroids are helpful in the initial weeks of the illness and can be tapered over 4 to 6 weeks. Health care expert’s treatment with non-steroidal inflammatory medication can also be started before steroid therapy is introduced to the treatment regimen. Medication for lowering heart rate may also be prescribed. In some cases, supplementation of the thyroid hormone is required, especially when the patient develop hypothyroidism during or after treatment.

What is Subacute Thyroiditis?

According to medical experts, subacute thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that develops due to upper respiratory tract infection. Covid-19 and thyroiditis are linked, considering their tendency to develop after viral infections. Such viral infections cause inflammation of the nose and throat; however, the infection tends to disappear within a week or two. Symptoms of inflammation include redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. The viral infection gives rise to inflammation, causing swelling of the neck. Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing may occur due to inflammation in the throat.  You may have a cold feeling, but it’s not just a simple throat pain, experts say, it can be subacute thyroiditis that causes a rapid reduction in the production of thyroid hormone.

When your body doesn’t release enough amount of thyroid hormone, then it may lead to hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. If you are dealing with hyperthyroidism, then maybe know how it occurs, its s a case of excessive production of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include hair loss, sweating, gastrointestinal issues, hair loss, and anxiety.  Now, what is connect COVID-19 and subacute thyroiditis?  More research is needed to get the answer. It is still not understood how the virus destroys the body’s inflammatory reaction to the virus. Still, experts believe findings are vital to understanding the coronavirus disease. The research shows a close relationship between the pandemic and the development of COVID-19.

Be sure to speak your doctor if you develop the above signs and symptoms if you had the new coronavirus disease. Fortunately, in most cases, recovery is possible. However, it could take a few weeks to a few months, but one can be recovered from the thyroid disorder due to COVID-19. Use Thyronorm 50 under the guidance of your doctor.

Also Read: Learn More About Your Thyroid Gland!