Hi, has anyone found that levothyroxine exacerbates their asthma? For the last 6 weeks or so my chest seems to be getting tighter. I now have an annoying cough and having to breath shallowly.
I was taught Russian relaxation and breathing techniques at 35 yrs ago to control it. Not used medication in 25 yrs. But feel like I may have to ask gp to prescribe something. (Before anyone asks I am double jabbed and tested neg via pcr yesterday.
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66olives
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Looking at previous posts you were on 75mcg levothyroxine
But dose was reduced to 50mcg
How long since dose was reduced
Being hypothyroid, especially after inappropriate dose reduction can bring on tight chest, low vitamin levels and especially low ferritin
50mcg is only a starter dose levothyroxine
Most people when adequately treated will be on at least 100mcg levothyroxine per day
Guidelines on dose levothyroxine by weight is 1.6mcg per kilo of your weight
So unless very petite, most people will need at least 100mcg levothyroxine per day
What were actual results and ranges on last test
Getting FULL Thyroid and vitamin testing done 6-8 weeks after any dose change or brand change in levothyroxine
Your B12 was very low on last post
Have you had full testing for Pernicious Anaemia before starting on B12 supplements or injections
Low vitamin levels tend to lower TSH (which is all most medics look at)
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 with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis)
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .
Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood test. (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).
This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or all relevant vitamins
Just waiting for 3.5wk mark on new meds then getting FULL thyroid blood test privately.
I have asked the surgery for a different GP, but not heard back yet. I will force that issue so I can discuss results with new GP. Hypothyroidism isn't the only issue my current GP misdiagnosed.
I have another few days then I will order the test. So I can do it on Monday 2nd. I have dates noted/alarmed in my dairy and I have read the recommendations.
You people are so helpful. I really appreciate the advice.
You’re not on Teva levothyroxine by any chance? My asthma was really bad when I was taking that brand with chest tightness and a persistent cough, which cleared up when I was given a different brand. It was only reading about Teva on here that I joined the dots up
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