Cough

[Murphy610]

Since starting carbimazole 10mg I have had a persistent dry cough

I was put on this by the gp because I have urticaria hoping the two are linked . Havn't seen An endocrinologists yet. anyone else in the same situation cheers

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Urticaria is usually associated with Hashimoto's (hypothyroid) though it can be linked to Graves (hyperthyroid)

verywellhealth.com/thyroid-...

If you have Hashimoto's you would NOT want to be treated with carbimazole

So essential to know if it's Graves or Hashimoto's. This depends on blood test results (and symptoms)

First thing is, do you have any actual blood test results? if not will need to get hold of copies. You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised with Graves or Hashimoto's

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

High TSH, low FT3 and/or FT3 is hypothyroidism

Low TSH, high FT3 and/or FT3 is usually hyperthyroidism. (But can be early stage Hashimoto's as well as this often starts with temporary hyper phase)

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

If TPO or TG antibodies are very high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease). Mildly raised TPO or TG antibodies can be due to Graves

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's or Graves. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Private testing for suspected Graves - TSI or TRab antibodies

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

Persistent cough can be acid reflux. Common symptom of Hashimoto's due to LOW stomach acid and/of dairy intolerance

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

theinvisiblehypothyroidism....

If you have Hashimoto's, not Graves, carbimazole is not the right treatment

Carbimazole will lower thyroid hormones.

If you have Graves Levels need frequent retesting, and fine tuning to prevent over treatment