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Could Shortness Of Breath And Tightness In Chest Be Related To Thyroid?
Hi, my nephew was diagnosed with a thyroid problem about 5 years ago and the doctor prescribed some sort of thyroid pills. Due to loss of income, he stopped taking the pills. He was now admitted to the hospital last night with shortness of breath and tightness in his chest. They plan to keep him until Monday for tests. Also diagnosed him with Type 2 diabetes (200 plus glucose). He's about 6'2" and weighs close to 400 lbs. Is the breathing and chest problem possibly all due to not taking those thyroid pills? Or is it more likely due to everything else I just described. I realize this is complicated... Thanks..
Tue, 28 Feb 2017
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
I am sorry to hear about your nephew.
It is not clear from your question whether your nephew has hypothyroidism ( under active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid). But either of these can cause symptoms of breathlessness and chest tightness.
Hypothyroidism if untreated can cause fluid accumulation around the heart called pericardial effusion. This causes shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Hyperthyroidism if untreated can cause palpitations ( rapid heartbeat) leading to chest tightness and breathlessness.
It is good that he is in the hospital and undergoing tests. Hopefully he will be fine.
I wish you good luck and wish him a speedy recovery.
I hope this answer has helped you.
Thank you.
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
I am sorry to hear about your nephew.
It is not clear from your question whether your nephew has hypothyroidism ( under active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid). But either of these can cause symptoms of breathlessness and chest tightness.
Hypothyroidism if untreated can cause fluid accumulation around the heart called pericardial effusion. This causes shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Hyperthyroidism if untreated can cause palpitations ( rapid heartbeat) leading to chest tightness and breathlessness.
It is good that he is in the hospital and undergoing tests. Hopefully he will be fine.
I wish you good luck and wish him a speedy recovery.
I hope this answer has helped you.
Thank you.
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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