HomeAnswersEndocrinologyhashimoto's thyroiditisI have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Should I be concerned?

Can Hashimoto's disease cause enlarged lymph nodes?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 19, 2017
Reviewed AtJune 2, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 30 year old female. I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism since four years. I take Eltroxin daily and go for a thyroid sonar once a year. I went for an ultrasound yesterday and my report stated that my thyroid features are consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. But, what really freaked me out was these two comments:

  1. Prominent lymph nodes are seen within the right cervical chain, with the largest on the right measuring 4.9 mm in its short axis and on the left 3.4 mm in its short axis.
  2. A small cystic focus noted in the medial and anterior aspect of the right lobe.

What does this mean? Should I be concerned? I was sick with a bad flu about four weeks ago, had a high fever and ended up on antibiotics. Could the lymph nodes still be swollen from that? Or can the lymph nodes be swollen due to an autoimmune disease? I have alopecia areata as well since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. My immune system seems to be very weak. I constantly get flu, colds, and tummy bugs and I suffer badly from allergies or sinuses.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and from the reports you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it appears that you do have some enlarged lymph nodes. Yes, there are two possibilities but it is more likely that these are due to:

1. The upper respiratory tract infections which you keep having.

2. It could be due to the thyroid as well.

The best approach would be to repeat your ultrasound again in a month's time and if it has not resolved, I suggest that you have an FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) done. Besides, I would also like to know whether you currently have a fever, throat pain, sore throat or any other symptoms. I suggest that you wait and see whether they resolve or if they are still present after a month.

Hope you find my advice of some benefit. Good luck.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you very much for the response. I currently have sinus issues daily. Every morning, I wake up sneezing and with a runny nose. I can feel the mucus in my throat, watery eyes and headaches. Sometimes, the sinus pressure gives me a toothache in my lower jaw, like a general ache.

Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

So, it appears to bedue to these infections that you are probably having these lymph nodes. You can wait for another month and repeat your ultrasound again.

1. Try to take steam inhalations thrice a day.

2. For your allergy, I suggest you try taking tablet Loratadine 10 mg once at night for five days.

3. Use normal saline nasal drops for one or two weeks.

4. You can take tablet Paracetamol 500 mg once whenever you have pain.

5. Have a dental checkup since the lower jaw pain cannot be sinus-related.

Hope you feel better soon.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

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