HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Could Swelling In The Feet Along With Persistent Cough Be Signs Of Hashimoto's Disease Or Hypothyroidism?

Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2019

Question: I have swelling in my legs ankles & feet sometimes swelling in my upper arms a persistent cough have some trouble sleeping am I dehydrated or is it something else I've taken blood pressure and it not bad usually runs normal or a little elavated could it also be hashimoto disease or hypothyroidism cuz I do have weight gain

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommmend performing some tests.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your symptoms are not typical of Hashimoto thyroiditis nor is it hypothyroidism. I would recommend performing some tests to investigate the possible causes which may lead to your complaints.
- A cardiac ultrasound and a resting ECG to exclude possible heart failure
- Kidney and liver function tests for possible dysfunction
- Blood electrolytes for any possible imbalance
- A chest X-ray study and pulmonary function tests to exclude a lung disorder
- PCR and ESR for inflammation
- Fasting glucose for diabetes
- Thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction

You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.

Hope I have been helpful! Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Iliri Sharka
Cardiologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)

I am not sure I don't have any kind of chest pain and I have been tested for diabetes several years ago cuz I was always thirsty always going to the restroom I do have sever dry skin patches on my face and my feet my nails are thick so I did some reading and I have several of the same symptoms as hypothyroidism or hashimito's disease so I do not understand why all the test you suggested I am non insured and can not afford alot so please explain what suggests the recommendation.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I recommend performing the above mentioned tests because I don't think your symptoms are related to Hashimoto's disease. The tests necessary to investigate Hashimoto's disease are:
- Thyroid hormone levels
- Complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- A thyroid gland ultrasound may be needed

If these tests result are normal, I would recommend performing other tests to investigate possible fluid retention, which can lead to leg and ankle swelling (which can be caused by heart failure, kidney dysfunction or liver disorders).

That is why I recommend performing the above tests (cardiac ultrasound, kidney and liver function tests, blood electrolytes). Considering your cough, if all the above tests results are normal, I would recommend checking your lungs too (a chest X-ray study and pulmonary function tests). You can perform these tests step by step, excluding the main issues. There is no need to perform all these tests together. You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests.

Hope you find this answer helpful! Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Iliri Sharka
Cardiologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 hours later)

thank you with everything that you have suggested could there be a possibility that's it is due to constipation or dehydration

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My opinion is as follows.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Leg swelling is not related to constipation and dehydration. Constipation can lead to fatigue and abdominal pain, but does not explain your symptoms.

Dehydration does not lead to leg swelling. In fact, it may lead to dry mouth and low blood pressure, but not leg swelling.

Hope I have clarified some of your uncertainties!

Regards,
Dr. Iliri Sharka
Cardiologist

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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