Subacute thyroiditis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get urgent or emergency help if you have:

   • Severe difficulty breathing or rapidly increasing neck swelling
   • Chest pain, fainting, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
   • New confusion, extreme weakness, or inability to stay awake
   • Signs of a serious medicine reaction, such as facial swelling or breathing trouble

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   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 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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical advice if you have a high fever with increasing neck redness or swelling, severe pain that is rapidly worsening, or difficulty swallowing fluids.

   These features may point to an infection or another cause that needs faster assessment.

   If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, contact your maternity or thyroid care team promptly about possible thyroid symptoms rather than waiting for routine follow-up.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if you have ongoing pain or tenderness at the front of your neck, unexplained symptoms of high or low thyroid hormone, or a neck swelling that does not settle.

   Medical assessment is also appropriate if symptoms return after treatment.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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