Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis

Acute suppurative thyroiditis is an acute bacterial infection of the thyroid gland, usually caused by pyogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus) via hematogenous/lymphogenous spread or via a pyriform sinus fistula (especially in children). Clinical: fever, painful enlarged thyroid, erythema, tenderness, dysphagia, hoarseness. May form abscess; requires antibiotics and sometimes drainage.

Common Symptoms

Fever; painful thyroid enlargement; erythema; tenderness; dysphagia; hoarseness; leukocytosis

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacterial seeding via blood/lymph or pyriform-sinus fistula causes acute purulent inflammation; abscess may form.

Treatment

Broad-spectrum antibiotics; incision/drainage if abscess; evaluate pyriform sinus fistula

Preventive Measures

Treat upper-respiratory infection promptly; congenital fistula evaluation in children.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.