Common Signs Indicating Hyperthyroidism

Shortness Of Breath

Similar to other conditions, hyperthyroidism can cause shortness of breath to develop, as this condition causes the respiratory muscles to weaken and decrease in pulmonary function. Specifically, hyperthyroidism increases respiratory drive and can cause dyspnea on exertion, or shortness of breath. A patient may notice this sign whenever they become winded just from walking to the mailbox or climbing a flight of stairs, but many patients notice it is especially when they are at rest or during exercise. Specifically, the trachea becomes compressed, which can be positional, and can happen with nodular goiters (lumps on the neck) and thyroid cancer, but is also commonly seen in patients with hyperthyroidism, as the lungs do not respond properly to the increased metabolic rate caused by this condition.