Dry, asthma like cough. Could it be thyroid?

[hjh88]

** UPDATE: Second doctor confirms likely viral chest infection. Prescribed rest, fluids and paracetamol for the fever. Also gives prescription for antibiotics should it begin to show signs of bacterial infection. Thanks all for guiding me to a second opinion. **

Hello all,

I wonder if you can help with a little conundrum.

This week I’ve had what I at first assumed to be an asthma flare. Unusual for me at this time of year. But nevertheless my upper chest has become very irritable, difficult to take deep breaths without it catching in my throat and accompanied by a very dry and persistent cough. Possibly caused by the cough, I now have an almost dull pain/sense of inflammation in the couple of I chest of chest just below where my collar bones meet. It’s a similar sensation to what I experience as the beginnings of a chest infection.

The “asthma” was closely followed by a huge flare up in post-nasal drip and sinus inflammation. My nose is constantly stuffed up in at least one nostril, dripping almost permanently and I’ve had facial swelling around the eyes (blissfully this has now gone down). Worth noting that before my diagnosis with hypothyroidism PND etc. was a chronic situation for me. Since levo, I get the occasional flare up or it will gradually worsen if I need a dose increase.

I had a doctors appointment where he ruled out my asthma and any kind of infection (nothing is green). He’s also ruled out sinusitis as there are no signs of it in my throat and ears. I’m told to keep breathing steam and using my inhalers as I am, taking decongestants and anti inflammatories.

This is all well and good but it doesn’t much tell me what’s actually happening to my body.

Thyroid context (IN FULL IN PROFILE) - dose increase to 175/200 alternating about 3wks ago now. Starting to feel the benefit. Last test results show I’m up on virtually all vits bar iron (although I don’t think this is awful) and I continue to supplement. Feel like generally I’m approaching optimal but open to suggestion in this.

My question is, I’m convinced the PND etc. is thyroid related, could the cough/chest irritation be thyroid too? And is there anything I can do about it, aside from waiting for the dose increase to kick in fully?

Any advice or similar experiences gratefully received 😊

[Hidden]

If you are prone to infections then check again . So many GPs don't check lungs and don't check for lower lobe pneumonia. They might listen to your chest in front but not check all the way down the spine. I find a cough medicine can stop the cough reflex and stop mucous. Gargling with a teaspoon of cider vinegar in a tumbler of water can kill off bacteria and strep infection. It can ease a sore throat. Coconut oil taken spread on a biscuit can kill viruses and bacteria helping your immune system . I take a couple of teaspoons this way or in casseroles or curries. Take care of yourself.

[hjh88 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Birmanblue. I’m feeling inclined to get a second opinion as I’m really not right. In addition, I’m coming over hot and cold, feverish sleep, weakness, loss of appetite. It’s feeling more and more like an infection to me.

I’ve got a good cough medicine which has been helpful. Just out of apple cider vinegar at the moment though but perhaps I can get hold of some. Thanks for the tips!

[Hidden in reply to hjh88]

Yes you are quite right. Hope you feel better soon.

[Sandy287]

Please check your house and workplace not somewhere you have a mold and giving you this trouble. Also check the food you eat, not you are allergic to one of it especially nuts. I have gone through it that is why I’m saying. When someone has weak immune system then these symptoms are common due to various types of allergies. Even check if you are using new shampoo, deodorant etc

[hjh88 in reply to Sandy287]

Hello Sandy287. I live in Brighton and it’s a bit of a running joke in the area that all properties have damp and mold. Ours is no exception and this has always been the case for the best part of a decade now. I certainly don’t think it helps but this particular cough has come on quite acutely so my guess is that it’s related to a more immediate change in something.

I’ve had no changes in detergents, shampoos or anything like that. My diet has been pretty consistent too. Given the feverish symptoms I’m inclined to think it’s likely to be some kind of infection.

[Sandy287 in reply to hjh88]

Hi, Mold is the biggest culprit to many health issues we get. I developed first pollen allergy and my symptoms were exactly what you have. Later food allergies and then they found tumor in my adrenaline gland. I went to Dr Eisenhart in Wedel (next to Hamburg) who did various tests and finally found out that the main cause of all health issues is mold in house. Allergy can develop all of the sudden, in my case next morning I could not eat certain food and started coughing enviromedclinic.com/how-do-...

[hjh88 in reply to Sandy287]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately I have very little choice about the presence of mold currently.

A second doctor has confirmed a viral chest infection this time which fits with my symptoms. Rest, fluids and paracetamol for me!

[Sandy287 in reply to hjh88]

I understand you.

Yes in case of Fever you have infection. Please keep the good ventilation if it’s sunny. Get well soon.

[Sandy287 in reply to hjh88]

Yes it could be infection if you have fever.