What is Suppurative Thyroiditis?

The condition is rarely seen; there is a tender painful thyroid with a high fever, chills, and malaise. Redness occurs over the thyroid, which contains an abscess (thyroid boil), which if untreated may burst through the skin or burst internally into the oesophagus or trachea. The condition occurs in malnourished children and AIDS patients. The infection is usually due to the common staphylococcus, and may occur with fungal infections and tuberculosis. The treatment is drainage of the abscess and appropriate antibiotics.