Subacute Thyroiditis—December 4, 1995

Subacute Thyroiditis—December 4, 1995

The cause of this disease remains unclear, but it is generally believed to be related to viruses. The thyroid gland may become enlarged due to infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells, accompanied by pain and low-grade fever. This disease affects more women than men, with the highest incidence among those aged 20–40, and may be accompanied by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is fast, with elevated T3 and T4, increased serum protein-bound iodine, and a thyroid iodine uptake rate significantly lower than normal. Western medical treatment typically prioritizes prednisone and anti-inflammatory drugs. Overall, domestic treatment regimens for subacute thyroiditis generally focus on clearing heat and detoxifying, dispersing tumors and resolving knots, and reinforcing the body's vital energy. Clearing heat and detoxifying often involves honeysuckle, forsythia, dandelion, houttuynia, indigo plant, summer-withered grass, platycodon, and white snake tongue herb; dispersing tumors and resolving knots often uses zhebei mu, oyster shell, xuan shen, achyranthes, gua lou, soapberry thorns, and lu lu tong; reinforcing vital energy often uses astragalus, angelica, red peony, zhimu, and white peony.