Shortness of Breath

[LisaBek]

Anyone have shortness of breath? I don't have asthma or wheezing. Just feels like I am struggling very hard to breathe. I can't figure out what is causing it. Dr. tells me allergies but I don't believe that is it.... I take Armour Thyroid and am wondering if that could be contributing to it??

[humanbean]

There are a few possibilities :

1) Too low a dose of thyroid hormone, particularly T3.

2) Low iron.

3) Low Vitamin B12, possibly with low folate as well.

If you have results for any of the above you could post them with the reference ranges in a new post and ask for feedback.

[greygoose]

Shortness of breath can be a hypo symptom, but it can very well be a nutritional deficiency symptoms - low vit D, vit B12 and ferritin can all cause breathlessness. Have you had those tested?

[Rmichelle]

Hi lisabek i have breathlng problems aswell and im hyperthyroid and also my iron levels are low and folate too, i .need to get supplements but at present at home with highly contagioys whooping cough which breathing is horrendous at moment. The people here are spot on with all their knowledge, they have helped me soooo much.

[Clutter]

Lisabek,

Overmedication and undermedication can cause breathlessness, as can low ferritin/iron, and B12 and folate deficiency.

If you have any blood test results and ranges please post them for comment.

[LisaBek]

I know my D levels were good last I had them checked but haven't had B12 or Iron checked in a while. I do take a multivitamin every day that has all of those, but maybe I will get some B12 to take and see if that makes a difference, if not, then I might add iron. Thank you for your ideas and help! I don't have a copy of the results but I do know my thyroid levels are good according to my Dr. I picked up some B12 today so I will see if that helps at all! Fingers crossed.

[katbar]

Hi have shortness of breath, i have had x-rays and a spidemetry test, not once has it been suggested it has anything to do with Thyroid or meds. Thanks for the info.

[LisaBek in reply to katbar]

Did they ever give you a reason for it? My Dr. tried saying anxiety but I am not anxious about anything. It is such a horrible feeling to be gasping for air all the time. Do you still have it or has it resolved?

[Rmichelle in reply to LisaBek]

Ha. My doc put mine down to anxiety and i am not anxious at all! It was only being diagnosed with hyperthyroid i realised it is due to condition and being low on iron levels. I am going to buy some supplements and have been on carbimazole for 1 week only but no improvement as yet. I know how you feel, but docs put everything diwn to virus or anxiety👎

[katbar]

I do still have it, only when i exert myself, even getting out of the shower, firstly Dr said it could be copd i have not smoked for 20 years, but could still have it, tests say possible no, chest x-ray clear. Still waiting for what happens next. I have had test for Vit D etc, all ok.

[LisaBek]

I thought of COPD too, because I used to smoke a pack a day 20 years ago. But my shortness of breath doesn't necessarily get worse with exertion, it is just always there. It has been on and off for about 6 months but just got really bad the last week. I am not sure where to turn next. How do they test for COPD? My x-rays are clear and Dr. said my heart and lungs sound great....I don't have wheezing at all either.

[katbar in reply to LisaBek]

You have a spidemetry test this was done by a nurse practioner in our surgery, ask for one, you get a read out of the results.

[Rmichelle in reply to LisaBek]

Sorry for butting in, mine is always there aswell! I think people exeperience this in different ways. I too have had xrays, ct scans, barium swallows and it makes you feel quite poorly and i feel about 80.😕

[Bookworm1961]

Hi LisaBek

Yes I have the same issue with the breathing as you its not like I can't breathe it's just I have to take really deep breaths like my lungs are so tired doctorsI say it's anxiety i know its not they have no idea don't get it all the time only when under or over medicated. I now take 50 mcg and 75 mcg on alternate days although still other symptoms like aching and tiredness.

[MariLiz]

Mine was caused by my B12 being low, once that was treated it cleared up.