Can x-rays from barium swallow test affect thyroid?

[bekayee]

I have been suffering from acid reflux after suddenly getting a goiter (goitre) after taking iodine. (Big mistake taking iodine!) My subsequent blood panel showed low level hashimoto's and subclinical hypothyroid (with ultrasound indicating several nodules which have now shrunk along with the goiter/goitre).

To diagnose reflux, my doctor has ordered a barium swallow test with x-rays. He says it's safe & won't harm the thyroid.

Does anyone know if radiation exposure might possibly hurt the thyroid..?

[Rmichelle]

I had a barium swallow before being diagnosed with thyroid disease, I asked the person who performs the xray and was told it would not affect my thyroid I suspected I had thyroid issues and was awaiting confirmation at the time, I have to be honest I was told by a consultant that the drink they give you may interference with the thyroid later, I did feel worse for it later though, I was sent for x-ray because I was getting swallowing problems and acid reflux, mine was caused by my thyroid swelling and nodules. Good luck🍀

[bekayee in reply to Rmichelle]

I really appreciate your response. In my case (after taking iodine), I suddenly developed swallowing problems & acid reflux which I'd never had before. The tight throat is now gone and the inflamed thyroid/nodules have decreased in size. But the terrible reflux remains. I've done an endoscopy, but I think I'm going to decline the barium swallow (out of caution) and have the Ph study next.

Are your swallowing problems and acid reflux any better today? I hope so...

[Rmichelle in reply to bekayee]

I still get swallowing problems and horrid tight throat, it usually happens when my tsh goes up and my frees are lower I hate the tight throat as it feels Like you cannot breathe, a lot of digestive issues are down to thyroid problems, I see my Endo tomorrow so I want another scan my sister had the pH test that's the one with all the wires attached, she had to wear it for 24 hours I think, I would not have another barium I would do endoscopy instead, I do still get reflux as I do have a hiatul hernia which ireflux goes hand in hand, always got gaviscon by the bed!!😀

[bekayee in reply to Rmichelle]

My heart goes out to you. The tight throat is so scary and unsettling. My endoscopy showed that everything was perfect, so the barium test was next. I'm looking into Linx surgery for reflux, which is being done in the US more commonly (with success). It's a titanium magnet that seals the lower esophogeal sphincter, similar to what the sodium alginate in Gaviscon does -- it creates a seal so that stomach acid stays where it should. I live in California and order Gaviscon from the UK. It's the only thing that has helped thus far...

[Rmichelle in reply to bekayee]

Ah right I have not heard of that treatment, the USA is usually abit more advanced than us in the cold rainy uk ,

Yes it is a scary feeling but hopefully I can feel better soon again, I hope you get it sorted and feel better too, I'm sure others will respond soon.😀🌟

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Acid reflux is common hypothyroid symptom, usually due to low stomach acid

Literally thousands of posts on here about this

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

How much Levothyroxine are you taking ? Or are you not on any yet?

Can you add most recent results and ranges for TSH, FT3 and FT4, plus thyroid antibodies

Also extremely helpful if had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 tested. Add results and ranges if you have them

[bekayee in reply to SlowDragon]

I'll post recent panel and get back to you. You guys are all so GREAT...