Single caregiver

[pab1955]

My dad is 90 and he is on levothyroxine. He has the most persistent cough!! I am so glad I found this website, I was beginning to think I was going insane until I read that others are going through the same thing!!

[Hillwoman]

Hypo can cause cough or breathing difficulties, but ACE inhibitors are notorious for this too. Is your Dad on any meds for raised BP?

[pab1955 in reply to Hillwoman]

No, he doesn't! He takes thyroid medication, fluvastatin and asprin. He drinks very little water.

[Hillwoman in reply to pab1955]

Here's some info on fluvastatin, which indicates that special care is needed in cases of hypo-T:

medicines.org.uk/emc/medici...

If your Dad was prescribed the statin because of raised cholesterol, it rather implies he isn't getting enough levo, since hypo can cause cholesterol to rise!

Anecdotally, statins can cause cough, as well as other problems. I think you will have to tease out cause and effect here.

[shaws Administrator]

I am pleased your Dad has reached 90 and he is lucky to have someone who is caring for him.

Do you know that blood tests have to be at the very earliest, fasting (he can drink water) and allow a gap of 24 hours between his last dose and test and take it afterwards.

Statins aren't advised if hypo and if your father has been prescribed them his dose isn't high enough. A higher cholesterol level is a clinical symptom of hypo and should reduce when on an optimum of thyroid hormones.

Ask also for B12, Vit d, iron, ferritin and folate. He is entitled to all these tests as well as an optimum of thyroid hormones.

[pab1955]

Yes, I know about the time for his blood test! Thank you for the information.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Has cough started after a medication change eg different brand of Levo. (Brand called Teva has caused many on here issues )

Chronic Cough can be due low stomach acid, low B12 or intolerance to dairy or gluten.

[pab1955]

Thank you for the suggestions!