A lack of thyroid hormones because of hypothyroidism leads to inflammation and trapped fluid in the mucous glands, causing them to swell.
DISCUSSION. We have shown a significantly increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in subjects with hypothyroidism or inflammatory bowel disease. The increase seen in subjects with hypothyroidism was similar to that seen in those with inflammatory bowel disease for breathlessness, cough, and sputum production.
Of course, a large thyroid is called a "goiter". (yup, that's what a goiter is--a large thyroid). So most people who feel like there is something stuck in their throat that they feel they need to clear by swallowing actually have a goiter made of many thyroid nodules.
The size may range from a single small nodule to a large neck lump. The swollen thyroid can put pressure on the windpipe and esophagus which can cause a cough, wheezing, breathing difficulties or swallowing difficulties.
Research shows that nasal stuffiness, sinus congestion, and impaired hearing are common symptoms experienced by people with hypothyroidism.
For people who do have symptoms, they may have trouble swallowing or breathing or have a feeling of fullness, pain, or pressure in the throat or neck. Some people might notice a lump in their neck when they look in the mirror, but this is uncommon.
As the thyroid is destroyed over time, it's unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. This leads to symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), such as tiredness, weight gain and dry skin. The swollen thyroid may also cause a goitre (lump) to form in your throat.
For most people, this cough is a dry, hacking sort of cough.” In addition to cough, thyroid growth can lead to pressing on the vocal cords and a hoarse voice, or pressing on the esophagus and difficulty swallowing food. You may also notice swelling or pain in the front of your lower neck, and even into your ears.
Coughing up phlegm is a normal symptom of colds and other health conditions. But coughing up phlegm without feeling sick could indicate a more serious underlying issue like heart or lung disease.
Reasons for coughing up phlegm without feeling ill. It is not unusual to cough up phlegm with a common cold. However, it can also be a sign of a different, sometimes serious, underlying condition such as stomach acid reflux, lung disease, or heart disease.
Postnasal drip refers to excess mucus that someone may feel in the back of the nose and throat, causing a constant need to clear the throat. It may lead to symptoms, such as a sore throat and trouble swallowing. Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip.
Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal gathers and drips down the back of your throat. You may feel like you have a tickle in the back of your throat. Postnasal drip can be a bothersome condition that can lead to a chronic cough. The glands in your nose and throat are constantly making mucus.
Possible causes of excess mucus can be food allergies, an acid reflux from the stomach, or an infection. The consistency of mucus in the throat also varies depending on what is going on in your body. Common causes of too much mucus in the throat include a cold or flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.
Mucus in the lungs is known as phlegm or sputum. It is a common symptom in chronic lung diseases such as COPD (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease or asthma.
About bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection. The most common symptoms of bronchiectasis include: a persistent cough that usually brings up phlegm (sputum)
Common culprits include smoke, air pollution, and pollen. Sometimes, however, a cough that produces mucus can signal an acute health condition, such as an upper or lower respiratory infection. Other times, it may be a symptom of a chronic lung condition, such as COPD.
Voice changes may occur even in the cases of mild thyroid failure since thyroid hormone receptors have been found in the larynx, which proves that the thyroid hormone acts on the laryngeal tissue [6]. Hypothyroidism can cause notable voice changes, such as low voice, roughness, reduced range, and vocal fatigue [7].
A barium swallow is an x-ray imaging test that helps your doctor get a detailed visual of the back of the mouth, throat and esophagus to help diagnose oral cancer or other diseases.
An under-active thyroid can mess with your sense of taste and smell. If you can't stop eating, it may be hyperthyroidism — or an overactive thyroid. Neck or throat discomfort – A lump in your throat, change in your voice, or even a goiter could be a sign of a thyroid disorder.
A sore throat, pain, or tenderness around the throat area can be a sign of thyroid problems such as thyroiditis.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
About underactive thyroids
Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. An underactive thyroid can often be successfully treated by taking daily hormone tablets to replace the hormones your thyroid isn't making. There's no way of preventing an underactive thyroid.