What Causes Lethargy, Breathing Difficulties And Heart Palpitations While Suffering From Hyperthyroidism?

Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 9 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I have just recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 16/08/2015.My TSH is 0.03 and my free T4 is 38.0. I am male of 39 years. I have been put propranolol . My doctor has referred me to the UCL for the 04/09/2015.

With how I feel, lethargy, SOB, palpitations. Is there any advice you can give me for hastening seeing a professional ASAP?

I anticipate your reply
Kind regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Thyroid

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to learn about your thyroid condition.

When I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:

CBC
Electrolytes
Glucose
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests

Then typically a Radioactive Iodine 123 Uptake and Scan is required to determine the cause of the abnormal thyroid condition. The outcome of this test guides treatment, such as which type of medications are required.
For example, the test may reveal 'temporary thyroiditis' which tends to recover on its own within weeks. Or it may show 'Diffuse Toxic Goiter' which requires more prolonged treatment with various different options

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. Could you give me breakdown of the costs your practice would charge for the following; thoroughexamination, tests and radioactive iodine scan.

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
It is not the objective of this forum to provide my practice specifics.

In general, costs vary in different parts of the world. In USA, a typical first visit fee to get seen by an endocrinologist is about 200$. Laboratory tests could cost several hundred dollars more and the radioactive iodine scan will cost even more.
Often, insurance companies pick up the bulk of the tab while patient has a co-pay.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (3 days later)

If a patient is suspected of hyperthyroidism, is it a condition that needs to be seen to immediately. Or is it a case of the longer it is left untreated, the mor damage is done. Thank youe

Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Third follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hyperthyroidism can occur in varying degrees.The most severe form requires immediate hospitalization while a mild one can be managed in out-patient clinics.
The decision regarding whether or not this is a medical emergency requires a physical examination of the individual in addition to laboratory tests.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar