Thyroid Cough: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More

When the thyroid gland enlarges due to a disorder, it can exert pressure on the oesophagus and windpipe. As a result, individuals may experience difficulties in swallowing and breathing, wheezing, and a dry cough, referred to as ‘thyroid cough’.

This article covers the causes of thyroid cough, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, and more.

What are the Causes of Thyroid Cough?

In case the thyroid gland gets significantly enlarged or develops nodules, it can irritate the vocal cord nerve or trachea, leading to thyroid cough. Following is a detailed overview of the common causes:

• Goitre

Goitre (enlarged thyroid) is a major cause of thyroid cough. If the swelling in the thyroid gland is significantly enlarged, it can put pressure on the oesophagus and windpipe, causing thyroid cough as a reflex.

The causes of goitre generally include iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s disease, Graves' disease, nodules, and thyroid cancer.    

• Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances during thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can often lead to irritation or inflammation in the respiratory system. This can serve as an indirect reason for thyroid cough.  

Symptoms of Thyroid Cough

The thyroid cough comes with a distinct set of symptoms that can be similar to other types of coughs. They are as follows:

• Dry and persistent cough with the absence of phlegm
• Difficulty breathing 
• Pain in the neck around the thyroid area
• Difficulty in swallowing (especially solid food)
• Hoarseness
• Visible swelling at the front part of the neck (if the goitre is present)

These symptoms can be similar to the indications of acid reflux, allergies, or other respiratory disorders. Thus, to determine whether it is thyroid cough or any other issue, timely diagnosis is crucial. 

Diagnosis Methods of Thyroid Cough

During the diagnosis of thyroid cough, doctors perform a range of tests to assess the gland’s functioning and eliminate the possibility of other diseases. Here’s what they usually recommend:

• Family Medical History Check: Healthcare providers check the individual’s family medical history of thyroid disorders.  
• Physical Examination: This includes checking the individual’s physical symptoms, along with visible signs of thyroid enlargement.   
• Blood Tests: Doctors can recommend T3, T4, and TSH tests to determine the level of hormones in the bloodstream and assess the overall thyroid functioning. 
• Imaging and Other Procedures: Ultrasound, Radioactive Iodine Uptake (RAIU) test and thyroid scan help doctors assess the patient’s thyroid gland. In some cases, they can suggest fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to detect thyroid nodules and chances of malignancy.  

Treatment Procedures for Thyroid Cough

The treatment procedures for thyroid cough mainly depend on the type and severity of thyroid disorder. They are as follows:

• Medication

Usually, drugs like methimazole and propylthiouracil are prescribed to control thyroid hormone production in case of hyperthyroidism. Meanwhile, levothyroxine is provided to serve as thyroid hormone replacement if the patient is suffering from hypothyroidism.  

• Therapy

In severe cases, radioiodine therapy is used to damage the thyroid gland’s cells in order to prevent them from generating excessive hormones. 

• Surgery

For extreme cases where the enlarged goitre or thyroid nodule is causing pressure on the oesophagus or trachea, a thyroidectomy is recommended. It is also a last resort to reduce thyroid cough when no other treatment method works. 

Lifestyle Remedies for Thyroid Cough

Apart from taking the required medication, there are several lifestyle remedies that individuals can adopt in order to keep their thyroid condition in check and improve overall health. They are as follows:

• Maintaining a Balanced Diet

In case of thyroid deficiencies, adding iodine-rich foods to the diet, like iodised salt, seafood, seaweed, etc., is beneficial. Doctors also recommend consuming 25-30 grams of fibre on a daily basis as it helps prevent constipation.

Also, reducing selenium-rich foods like legumes, chicken, eggs, and tuna can reduce inflammation and support thyroid functioning. Vitamin and mineral-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, dairy products, beans, nuts, seeds, etc., are also recommended.     

•   Avoiding or Limiting Foods for Thyroid Control

Patients should avoid consuming goitrogenic foods like cabbage, broccoli, and soy products. They should also limit sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine, as they can lead to weight gain, affect thyroid function, and disturb sleep patterns. 

Furthermore, doctors advise controlling meal portion sizes in order to avoid overeating.   

• Daily Physical Activities

Moderately exercising on a daily basis is ideal for weight management and boosting energy levels. Healthcare providers advise going on a daily 30-minute walk, along with practising yoga to reduce muscle pain and improve flexibility. 

Cycling is also recommended as it helps reduce joint pain, while strength exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks strengthen joints and improve joint flexibility.  

•  Managing Stress 

Partaking in stress-busting activities like meditation and deep breathing exercises is highly advisable. It helps individuals deal with the weight gain, stress, mood swings, and fatigue that usually come with thyroid disorders.

Also, getting 9 hours of daily sleep is crucial for effectively dealing with these symptoms. 

Thyroid Cough: Complications and Preventive Methods

Thyroid cough is an indication of either an enlarged thyroid gland, the development of nodules, or a hormonal imbalance irritating the respiratory passage. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like:

• Chronic irritation of the respiratory tract
• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Myxedema coma, etc. 

One of the most effective ways to prevent thyroid cough from worsening is early diagnosis and proper treatment. In this regard, undergoing routine checkups, staying aware of the family medical history, and maintaining an active lifestyle can help control thyroid activity, which can also assist in prevention.  

Prognosis of Thyroid Cough

Once patients undergo proper diagnosis and receive treatment for the underlying thyroid condition, the cough generally goes away. In this case, most patients experience relief from symptoms after the thyroid condition has been normalised.  

Conclusion

Thyroid cough is generally caused by goitre, thyroid nodules, and hormonal imbalances that directly or indirectly cause irritation to the respiratory tract. Its main symptom is a dry, persistent cough with the absence of phlegm. The cough does not seem to go away even when the individual is not suffering from a cold.

Opting for timely diagnosis and proper treatment are key to managing thyroid cough. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having a balanced diet can help keep the thyroid condition in check, which can aid in preventing this medical condition.