Would like advice from a real physician, if possible, about my shortness of brea!
Question: Would like advice from a real physician, if possible, about my shortness of breath!?
I'm 33 yo, and I've recently quit smoking (as of 7/4/08)!. I'm 5 feet 3 1/2 inches tall, and I weigh 135 pounds!. I'm prone to anxiety, but over the course of the past five days, I'm experiencing shortness of breath!. I realize that my anxiety is making the situation worse because the more I think about the SoB (ha!), the worse it gets!. However, I'm starting to become concerned!. When I quit smoking, I had suffered some heart palpitations and shortness of breath, which my doctor said was normal for someone who has recently quit smoking!. This current onset came out of nowhere!. I AM stressed out at work, but I don't FEEL anxious about my stress!. I'm unsure as to whether or not the SoB is due to anxiety/stress or if it's actually something physical (like chronic bronchitis, or something I, god forbid, got because I was a smoker for 11 years)!.
I'm trying to figure out if this could possibly be a physical rather than a mental thing!. I had a cold about 10 weeks ago, and I had some congestion in my chest for a long time after it!. I currently have a heaviness in my chest that I associate with having a chest cough, but I'm not coughing!.
I know, I know, the only way I'm going to figure this out is if I go to the doctor!. I'm going to call my doctor to make an appointment (their phone lines are closed now), just to talk about taking those breath exam dealies and getting some tests done, but in the meantime, do you guys have any advice!? I'm TRYING to relax, but I can't stop thinking about it, and the SoB is driving me crazy!. I'm hoping a real doctor can help alleviate my worries till I can see a doctor!. Looking stuff up myself on WebMD has just scared the bejeezus out of me and has made things worse!
Thanks!Www@Answer-Health@Com
I'm trying to figure out if this could possibly be a physical rather than a mental thing!. I had a cold about 10 weeks ago, and I had some congestion in my chest for a long time after it!. I currently have a heaviness in my chest that I associate with having a chest cough, but I'm not coughing!.
I know, I know, the only way I'm going to figure this out is if I go to the doctor!. I'm going to call my doctor to make an appointment (their phone lines are closed now), just to talk about taking those breath exam dealies and getting some tests done, but in the meantime, do you guys have any advice!? I'm TRYING to relax, but I can't stop thinking about it, and the SoB is driving me crazy!. I'm hoping a real doctor can help alleviate my worries till I can see a doctor!. Looking stuff up myself on WebMD has just scared the bejeezus out of me and has made things worse!
Thanks!Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
I agree!.!.!.I don't think this is an anxiety issue either!.
However, with an 11 year history of smoking, you have certainly had some damage done in the process!. Yet, I think it's a bit extreme to diagnose you with COPD!. This is a disease state that typically occurs in patients who have been smoking for MUCH longer, and have been symptomatic for a great deal of time!.
The most likely explanation for this has more to do with the damage that has been done to your lungs, and the sensitivity that has resulted!. In the past 3 weeks of my practice, I've seen a multitude of patients who have presented with a shortness of breath, and whether or not they are current or Ex smokers, has more to do with the air quality than anything!. Simply put, there is a LOT of pollen and mold in the air that is effecting the quality of breathing for MANY patients!.
I think it's a good idea that you're seeing your doctor about this!. I all likelihood, you will need an inhaler that will help to calm things down a bit!. Not to mention, something to help reduce reacations -- like a medication called "Singulair!."
You'll be fine, and not to worry!. Just use the medications as prescribed and get over this assault!.
All the best to you!!
Www@Answer-Health@Com
However, with an 11 year history of smoking, you have certainly had some damage done in the process!. Yet, I think it's a bit extreme to diagnose you with COPD!. This is a disease state that typically occurs in patients who have been smoking for MUCH longer, and have been symptomatic for a great deal of time!.
The most likely explanation for this has more to do with the damage that has been done to your lungs, and the sensitivity that has resulted!. In the past 3 weeks of my practice, I've seen a multitude of patients who have presented with a shortness of breath, and whether or not they are current or Ex smokers, has more to do with the air quality than anything!. Simply put, there is a LOT of pollen and mold in the air that is effecting the quality of breathing for MANY patients!.
I think it's a good idea that you're seeing your doctor about this!. I all likelihood, you will need an inhaler that will help to calm things down a bit!. Not to mention, something to help reduce reacations -- like a medication called "Singulair!."
You'll be fine, and not to worry!. Just use the medications as prescribed and get over this assault!.
All the best to you!!
Www@Answer-Health@Com
I'm not a physician, but I'm in school for nursing right now and just thought I'd let you know what I think!. First off - congrats on quitting smoking!. Been there, done that - its hard, I know!. As you know this CANNOT be resolved without seeing a doctor, as he will give you a sure diagnosis! This could be from anxiety or stress, especially if you have been stressed out more since you started getting your SOB!.
However, you said that you have a heaviness in your chest without coughing - a sure symptom of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)!. These people often report the feeling of an 'elephant sitting on their chest', and often times they lean forward when they are sitting, lean on their arms in a 'tripod' position to use their neck muscles and abdominal muscles to help them breathe!. If this sounds like you maybe you should get this checked out!. COPD is a respiratory problem where the lungs are affected and is most commonly brough on by smoking, and I'm sure 11 years of smoking could do that!. Good luck, and I'm sorry about this!Www@Answer-Health@Com
However, you said that you have a heaviness in your chest without coughing - a sure symptom of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)!. These people often report the feeling of an 'elephant sitting on their chest', and often times they lean forward when they are sitting, lean on their arms in a 'tripod' position to use their neck muscles and abdominal muscles to help them breathe!. If this sounds like you maybe you should get this checked out!. COPD is a respiratory problem where the lungs are affected and is most commonly brough on by smoking, and I'm sure 11 years of smoking could do that!. Good luck, and I'm sorry about this!Www@Answer-Health@Com