What is the appropriate management for subclinical hypothyroidism?
Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, because of the minimal extent of the thyroid hormone deficiency, may be controlled with total daily dosages of levothyroxine as low as 25 to 50 μg.
Can thyroid problems cause pneumonia?
This occurs because hyperthyroidism causes a hypermetabolic effect causing a downregulation of neutrophil response to sites of infection, resulting in complications such as bacterial pneumonia.
When is subclinical hypothyroidism treated?
Current recommendations are to treat all patients with a TSH greater than 10 mU/L, as well as those with a TSH less than 10 mU/L who are under age 70 years, are pregnant, are infertile, are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, have a goiter, have anti-TPO antibodies, or have elevated CVD risk.
Should subclinical hypothyroidism in elderly patients be treated?
This syndrome is common among elderly people, and among older women the prevalence may be as high as 20%. It has been recommended that subclinical hypothyroidism warrants treatment in elderly patients.
What TSH level requires treatment?
If your TSH level is higher than 10 mIU/L, you should start treatment, because you will very likely develop symptoms of an underactive thyroid, even if you don’t have them now.
Should I take medicine for subclinical hypothyroidism?
In subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH >10 mIU/L, treatment is indicated. In milder subclinical hypothyroidism, a wait-and-see strategy is advocated to see if normalization occurs. However, individuals with cardiovascular risk and subclinical hypothyroidism may benefit from levothyroxine treatment.
How does hypothyroidism affect pneumonia?
Hypothyroidism has a detrimental effect on the immune system, which may predispose patients to infection. The risk factors for pneumonia include older age, chronic lung diseases and, most importantly, a decreased immune response against respiratory pathogens.
Can hypothyroidism affect lungs?
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause respiratory muscle weakness and decrease pulmonary function. Hypothyroidism reduces respiratory drive and can cause obstructive sleep apnea or pleural effusion, while hyperthyroidism increases respiratory drive and can cause dyspnea on exertion.
Does subclinical hypothyroidism need treatment?
Is TSH 5.6 normal?
At Cleveland Clinic labs, 0.4 to 5.5 is considered normal. In the absence of symptoms, and if other thyroid tests are normal, TSH levels between 5.6 and 10 are considered subclinical, a level that indicates possible early-stage disease. A TSH level above 10 indicates a thyroid disorder.
Should I take levothyroxine if I have subclinical hypothyroidism?
Which is the best treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism?
However, in subclinical hypothyroidism with a TSH >10 mIU/L, therapy is indicated. In milder subclinical forms, a wait-and-see strategy is advocated to see if normalization occurs. Subgroups with cardiovascular risk and subclinical hypothyroidism may benefit from levothyroxine therapy.
How many patients have no symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism?
About 70% of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism have no symptoms. 13 Tiredness was more common in subclinical hypothyroid patients with TSH levels lower than 10 mIU/L compared with euthyroid controls in 1 study, but other studies have been unable to replicate this finding. 27, 28
How much levothyroxine to take for subclinical hypothyroidism?
Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, because of the minimal extent of the thyroid hormone deficiency, may be controlled with total daily dosages of levothyroxine as low as 25 to 50 μg.
What causes subclinical hypothyroidism in the elderly?
Observations: Subclinical hypothyroidism is most often caused by autoimmune (Hashimoto) thyroiditis. However, serum thyrotropin levels rise as people without thyroid disease age; serum thyrotropin concentrations may surpass the upper limit of the traditional reference range of 4 to 5 mU/L among elderly patients.