Aha! I was right about Hypothyroid and Sleep Apnea

[kteague]

Do you have a link to something that explains the mechanisms that would be involved if hypothyroid were to cause OSA? I know if the thyroid is enlarged it can play a role. And I've read that patients with hypothyroid can have large tongues. But it sounds like you're saying something else. Do you plan to have a sleep study while your thyroid is effectively treated?
Kathy

[fidelfs]

I am trying to have a test in my house. No offense to technicians in this forum, but the 2 I had the experience to deal with, they were not the best. The first time to diagnose sleep Apnea he was the best of the two, but he was chatty with the other patient, the room didn't have any insulation between rooms, I can even hear the other guy thoughts . The technician chat with him all night, I guess the other way went for this titration study, and had some problems with his mask, but they were talking all night. I am fall asleep like a baby, put my heat on the pillow and I am in the other world, but any noise wakes me up ( I have teenagers, maybe that explains it. ). The second one didn't have much experience and caused the test to failed. I had leaks and she couldn't find the right pressure, that it is the reason I am trying to find the right one.
I rather have it at home. I know I have OSA, but it is getting better for no reason, so the variable here has been my thyroid. I have not loose weight, still traveling from Houston to Denver weekly (stress), reducing pressure and body adapting.

I think this paragraph explains how Hypo people get the OSA.

Differentiation between the two disorders is made more difficult because hypothyroid patients are also at risk for secondary sleep-disordered breathing. Other respiratory complications that occur in some hypothyroid individuals include upper airway obstruction (secondary to goiter), obesity, respiratory myopathy, and blunted ventilatory chemosensitivity (8). Each of these complications can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Obesity, airway obstruction, and altered ventilatory chemosensitivity also occur in primary OSA. Is a "positive" diagnostic polysomnogram which demonstrates abnormal hypopneas or apneas evidence of primary OSA or "secondary sleep apnea," that is, sleep-disordered breathing secondary to underlying hypothyroidism?

[fidelfs]

More about Hypo and OSA from British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Associated medical conditions

Hypothyroidism and acromegaly are well known disorders in which OSA is relatively common. Hypothyroidism is characterised by a low level of thyroid hormone which may cause abnormal soft tissue thickening (myxoedema) in the upper airway, a reduction in breathing control and weakness of the muscles that determine upper airway patency.

Some features of hypothyroidism (fatigue, general slowing down) are similar to symptoms of OSA, so it is crucial that the possible coexistence of the two conditions is considered. Although treatment with thyroid replacement therapy will normalise hormone levels and reduce symptoms, OSA often persists and requires continued therapy.

[nursedeborah]

I just can't take living like this, and dealing with all the peeps, and other noises
they are keeping me awake. Debbie

Debbie, what do you mean about the peeps?

SleepUgly,
Love that name, and so sorry I have not gotten back after all me crying.
The peeps, or beeps, it's all due ot the leaks in my frigging mask!!

Thanks for aksing,
Debbie

[tattooyu]

Just wanted to report that I'm finally getting my thyroid and parathyroid tested soon.

Here are the labs we are running:

• CBC - Ca, P, Na, Mg, etc.
• TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies
• PTH
• 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D

I can't believe my doctor is running the wrong Vitamin D test. I didn't notice it on the lab card until I got home. By the time I take off work for another appointment to have my doctor fix that, pay my copay, take MORE time off to go to the lab for a blood draw, I could order a test kit online -- so I did! I have a 25(OH)D test kit coming in the mail.

[fidelfs]

That's excellent news. You will see how difference it makes having the hormones under control and sleep apnea.

[IsrvChrist]

Sorry to ask but what tests did you take? Just TSH alone, It won't give you the right picture.

Nothing like going back in the archives and bring up the old post but this one really pertains to me.

I had blood test done that showed low levels, and instead of waiting and retesting I was sent in for a Thyroid Scan and Uptake. The blood test that they take as part of this came back with normal levels, and this was only 2 weeks latter. If my doctor has waited and rescanned it wouldn't of showed anything.