What causes thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis is caused by an attack on the thyroid gland. The attack causes inflammation (the body's response to injury) and damages the thyroid cells. Usually, the attack on the thyroid is due to an autoimmune disease. Normally, antibodies produced by the body's immune system help protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances. An autoimmune disease is when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your body's tissues and/or organs.
Thyroiditis can also be caused by an infection or certain medicines.
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 01/11
Created: 09/07