Subacute thyroiditis is a form of thyroiditis

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located on the front of the neck below the laryngeal prominence, and makes hormones that control metabolism.-Classification:...

 that can be a cause of both thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide but it can be caused by other causes such as several conditions of the thyroid gland or, less commonly, the pituitary gland or...

. It is uncommon and can affect individuals of both sexes and all ages. It manifests as a sudden and painful enlargement of the thyroid gland accompanied with fever, malaise and muscle aches. Some have suggested that its cause might be viral in origin.

Types include:

• De Quervain's thyroiditis
  De Quervain's thyroiditis
  de Quervain's thyroiditis, can also be known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis or Giant Cell Thyroiditis. Males and females of all ages are affected...
  
  
• Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis
• Postpartum thyroiditis
  Postpartum thyroiditis
  Postpartum thyroiditis is a phenomenon observed following pregnancy and may involve hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or the two sequentially. It affects about 5% of all women within a year after giving birth. The first phase is typically hyperthyroidism. Then, the thyroid either returns to normal...
  
  
• Palpation thyroiditis
  Palpation thyroiditis
  Palpation thyroiditis refers to the development of thyroid inflammation due to mechanical damage to thyroid follicles. This can occur by vigorous repeated palpation or surgical manipulation . It is a type of subacute thyroiditis. Pathology shows multifocal granulomatous folliculitis...