Can your thyroid affect your sinuses?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 22, 2026
Although hormonal causes like hypothyroidism have been proven to cause nasal congestion and rhinosinusitis, this is the first reported case of chronic rhinosinusitis in Hashimoto's thyroiditis in our center. This is a diagnosis of exclusion for chronic rhinosinusitis not responding to optimal medical therapy.Although hormonal causes like hypothyroidism have been proven to cause nasal congestion and rhinosinusitis Approximately 0.5% of all upper respiratory tract infections are complicated by sinusitis; the incidence of acute sinusitis ranges from 15 to 40 episodes per 1000 patients per year, depending on the setting. It is much more common in adults than it is in children, whose sinuses are not fully developed. › pmc › articles › PMC3093592
Is there a connection between thyroid and allergies?
There is some evidence of an association between autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD)and allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. If you're having trouble managing your hay fever symptoms, you may benefit from having your thyroid levels tested. Be careful with allergy medication if you have an AITD.
Can your thyroid make you feel like you have a cold?
Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, is a common disorder. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain and feeling cold. It can also result in problems with your hair, skin, muscles, memory or mood.
What are the symptoms of an inflamed thyroid?
Symptoms of inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) include:
- Low thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) Fatigue. Weight gain. Constipation. ...
- High thyroid hormone levels in the blood (hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis) Anxiety. Trouble sleeping (insomnia) Heart palpitations (fast heart rate) ...
- Tremors.
- Pain in the thyroid.
Can thyroid cancer cause sinus problems?
The incidence of metastasis to paranasal sinus (paranasal sinus metastasis (PNS)) is fairly uncommon in thyroid carcinoma cases and only a handful of reported cases are presented.
36 related questions foundHow does thyroid cancer make you feel?
Most often, thyroid cancer causes a lump and/or swelling of the neck, but it may also cause difficulty breathing or swallowing, as well as vocal hoarseness. Other symptoms include neck pain that may radiate up to your ears or a persistent cough not caused by illness.
Can thyroid cause breathing issues?
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.
What is a thyroid flare up?
A flare-up of Hashimoto's disease can make you have hypothyroidism symptoms even when you're being treated for it. Most of the time when this happens, it's because you're not getting enough of the thyroid replacement hormone used to treat the condition, which is most often levothyroxine (T4).
How long does it take for an inflamed thyroid to heal?
People who develop subacute thyroiditis usually have symptoms for 1 to 3 months, but complete recovery of thyroid function can take up to 12 to 18 months. These people have about a 5 percent chance of developing a permanent condition of hypothyroidism.
What virus can cause thyroiditis?
Mumps virus, influenza virus, and other respiratory viruses have been found to cause subacute thyroiditis. The most prominent feature of subacute thyroiditis is gradual or sudden onset of pain in the region of the thyroid gland. Painful enlargement of the thyroid gland may persist for weeks or months.
Can thyroid cause cold hands and feet?
People with hypothyroidism often report having cold hands or feet, although they may feel that their whole body is cold. These symptoms are not exclusive to hypothyroidism, however. Circulation problems or anemia can also cause people to feel chilly.
Can a underactive thyroid make you dizzy?
Endocrine diseases that cause dizziness
Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) may cause low blood pressure and a decreased heart rate leading to lightheadedness, weakness, lethargy, and chills.
Can thyroid cause dizziness balance problems?
Some endocrine diseases, such as hypothyroidism, can lead to balance disturbances and thus cause dizziness by affecting the labyrinthic functions of the vestibular system. Inflammatory or metabolic changes in patients with thyroid disease may impact inner ear inflammation and endolymphatic flow homeostasis.
Can thyroid problems cause ear nose and throat problems?
There are several signs that might indicate thyroid cancer. These include a lump or swelling in the neck; neck, throat or ear pain; difficulty swallowing and/or breathing; hoarseness; chronic cough; swollen lymph nodes and wheezing.
Can thyroid problems cause sneezing?
Both hypothyroidism and allergies can cause the same symptoms — a stuffed and runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. If you're not sure whether pollen or your thyroid gland is to blame for your symptoms, see an allergist for testing.
Does Flonase affect thyroid?
In the case of fluticasone propionate nasal spray, this is usually only a concern at high doses. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about stopping regular use of this medication. Thyroid function: People with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), may experience increased effects of this medication.
Can thyroid cause neck and shoulder pain?
D. For some people, hypothyroidism can add to joint and muscle problems. Specifically, hypothyroidism may lead to: Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips.
Can thyroid cause throat and ear pain?
The most obvious symptom of subacute thyroiditis is pain in the neck caused by a swollen and inflamed thyroid gland. Sometimes, the pain can spread (radiate) to the jaw or ears.
Can thyroid cause throat pain?
An under-active thyroid can mess with your sense of taste and smell. If you can't stop eating, it may be hyperthyroidism — or an overactive thyroid. Neck or throat discomfort – A lump in your throat, change in your voice, or even a goiter could be a sign of a thyroid disorder.
What does thyroid fatigue feel like?
You may feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired. Your hands may shake, your heart may beat fast, or you may have problems breathing. You may be sweaty or have warm, red, itchy skin. You may have more bowel movements than usual.
What triggers thyroid?
When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications.
Does your neck hurt with thyroid problems?
It usually causes high temperature and pain in the neck, jaw or ear. The thyroid gland can also release too much thyroid hormone into the blood (thyrotoxicosis), leading to symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Can thyroid problems affect your ears?
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hearing loss, and different thyroid conditions can affect not only hearing loss, but also tinnitus, and balance too.
Do you get hot flashes with underactive thyroid?
Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs. Hypothyroidism sometimes causes hot flashes, but it is not the most common symptom.
What do your hands look like if you have hypothyroidism?
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.