Hello;

Thanks for the query.

It is good that you have realized about taking care of your health. Smoking weed can causes damage to the lung tissue and decreases the capacity of expansion leading to reduction in absorption of oxygen. Such damage occurs over a period of time (in few years). . Quitting smoking early and changing to healthy habits will revert most of the damage (in case you don't ever start smoking habit again).

The symptoms you have are:-
-chest pain off and on;
-heartburn and burping;
- cough

Based on you the details provided, I can think of the following possibilities:

The first consideration is that it could be related to gastritis / reflux esophagitis. Heart burns, retrosternal chest pain is a common symptom here. In addition the acid and digestive enzymes that reflux from the gut can irritate pharynx and upper respiratory tract leading to cough. Other coexisting factors such as irregular food habits; keeping up late at night; mental stress may be contributing to increased acidity and reflux.

The second consideration and which is less likely is irritation of the wind pipe and lungs secondary to smoking.


It does not appear to me that you might be suffering from angina or some serious lung condition like you think; as you don’t seem to have other associated symptoms such as breathing difficulty, on and off fever, weight loss and so on. Let me know if you have any such symptoms. Though relevant investigations such as routine electrocardiogram (EKG) and X XXXXXXX chest or CT/MRI Scans will rule out such conditions beyond doubts.

In addition to quitting smoking the following measures might help you now:
1. Take an over the counter proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole (prilosec OTC) – one pill a day for 2 weeks. These pills are more effective when used half an hour before food.
2. Antacids such as Syp Mucaine gel 5 ml thrice a day before meals can give added advantage.
3. Eat healthy food and at proper times of meals;
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Avoid excess spicy, fatty and fried food
6. Good sleep and at night.
7. Regular physical exercises along with transcendental meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques can benefit you and improve your well being.

Meanwhile if your symptoms persist and bothers you a lot, do fix and appointment with your physician. Your physician after a detailed physical examination and other relevant tests including upper GI endoscopy will clear all your apprehensions and guide you through the treatment as well as plan for deaddiction.

Hope this answers your query. Do accept the answer if you do not have any further queries. Yet, if I have missed on any concern or if you have any more queries, I will be glad to guide you.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Take care and regards

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Hello,

Thanks for writing back.

“Omeprazole” is a proton pump inhibitor that helps to reduce the acid production in stomach. Thus it stabilizes the acid secretion and helps in the healing of stomach inflammation. They have been effecting in treating symptoms of heart burn, burping and the retrosternal chest discomfort due to acid reflux.

The cough and phlegm again could be related to acid reflux. If the symptoms are severe, cough syrups might help you. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to prevent/treat secondary bacterial infection. If the excessive phlegm is troubling you, you may get the antibiotics prescribed by your primary healthcare provider.

It is important that you improve your lifestyle and quit smoking. You will be able to lead a healthy and quality life.

Don't worry and if you need any other help you are free to write to us.

Hope this helps. Do accept the answer if you do not have any more queries. Yet, if I have left out any other concerns, I will be available to follow ups.

Wish you good health.

Take care and Regards

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