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Warning-sign checks

Silent thyroiditis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for:

    • Chest pain
    • Fainting or near-fainting
    • Severe trouble breathing
    • A very fast or irregular heartbeat with weakness or dizziness
    • Severe confusion, extreme agitation, or reduced alertness

    Severe thyroid-related emergencies are uncommon in silent thyroiditis, but these symptoms can also signal a serious heart or medical problem and should not be assessed at home.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have a persistently fast or irregular heartbeat, worsening weakness, significant dizziness, or symptoms that interfere with normal daily activities.

    Prompt review is also appropriate if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or recently gave birth.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have ongoing symptoms of excess or low thyroid hormone, a new neck swelling, or unexplained changes in weight, heartbeat, temperature tolerance, bowel habits, or menstrual periods.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Silent thyroiditis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.