Trouble breathing and swallowing? Related to my thyroid?

[Nikki72505]

I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid about a year and a half ago. Well, about 8 months ago I noticed I was having trouble catching my breath while excerising. About 3 months ago it's progressed to where I can't catch my breath all day everyday, even while relaxing. I also feel like theres a huge lump in my throat and I also have diffuctly swallowing. I've been to the ER dozens of times and they all say I have anxiety. I know I don't and am scared that I will just stop breathing sometime. Lung doctor says I'm fine, so I was wondering if my thyroid could be causing this. Would removing it help?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Removing the thyroid is not likely to help - any obstruction of the windpipe caused by the thyroid would have been detected on x-ray and lung function testing.  Some people feel short of breath if the thyroid medication dose is too high -- talk to your doc about lowering the dose if appropriate.  But, this is unlikely to be related to the thyroid condition.  The other thing to consider is heart evaluation - but this may have been done already...

[MJ13]

Are you seeing an endocrinologist? If not, I highly recommend finding one that specializes in thyroid disorders.  Have you ever had a thyroid nuclear scan or a sonogram of your thyroid.  These test should tell you if you have nodules on your thyroid that could be pressing against your windpipe.  Hope you fell betten and get some answers soon.  Not knowing things drives me crazy!!