Final answer:
De Quervain's thyroiditis is indeed thought to be caused by a viral infection, leading to a painful and swollen thyroid and a temporary phase of hyperthyroidism; treatment may involve beta-blockers and anti-inflammatories but not necessarily lifelong medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or false: de Quervian's thyroiditis is caused by a viral infection. The statement is true. De Quervain's thyroiditis, also known as subacute thyroiditis, is a condition thought to be caused by a viral infection or a post-viral inflammatory process. Patients with this condition tend to present with a painful and tender thyroid gland, often following an upper respiratory tract infection. The disease is characterized by an initial phase where too much thyroid hormone is released into the bloodstream, leading to hyperthyroidism, followed by a hypothyroid phase that usually resolves over time. Generally, de Quervain's thyroiditis is self-limiting and may not require lifelong medication. However, treatment for immediate relief from pain and symptoms may include beta-blockers and anti-inflammatory medications.
The disease causing too much thyroid hormone to be produced is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading it to overproduce thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
It is important to note that just having a thyroid condition does not always mean that symptoms will be obvious or that lifelong medication is inevitable, as the body's response to such conditions can be quite variable.