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Have Anxiety Attacks, Cut Down On Smoking, Under Stress. Sweating, Light Headedness. Do I Have Cancer?
Question: Hello there Doctor,
My question is a bit complex I suppose,
I am almost 22 fit shaped male,
Though haven't been exercising as much as I used to before,
Cu down on smoking cigarettes lately, smoke from 2-7 per day,How do I know that I am healthy and I don't have cancer developing?( I do have back problems as well...can it feel like pain in front of chest?from the back also?)
What would you recommend from all if this, what does the problem seem to be here to you?
Feel Better when don't.
I have been unde a lot of stress the last 2-3 years, been smoking for 5
Got married recently, work us good, though I'm self employed and there's a lit to worr about but I have money.
I have an owned condo, good cars and etc, living comfortably.
Eating healthy,
Getting up at 7 going to sleep usually at 11-12.
Walks in the park and exercise in the morning.
Lately I've been having a lot more I tense anxiety attacks.I say anxiety because I did some research online, have spoken to a few friends tha have it and it all seems to match,
At times it's hard to breath, like to be in my comfortable zone,
Where there are lots of people I don't feel safe though I constantly work on it, started yoga and etc,
Trying to relax but I jus can't due to so many thoughts, 2 friends passed away young guys, cuz of cancer XXXXXXX there's a heavy soup in my head nowadays...
The question is really relate to the smoking factor.
I am trying to quit or some time now,
Now I am actually taking the slower approach to it, just as said by cutting down,
But the feelings that I get in my body I don't quite understand completely,
I pretty much know what nicotine cravings are and how they feel...
I get ove the urges usually,
But when I smoke I feel extra profuse sweating, forgot to mention that for about a year now I feel lightheaded all the time, I catch myself in supermarkets more than any other place where I feel like I am really going to fall and faint. I say o myself ok, maximum faint, but then it starts building the whole picture , oh, what if I have cancer and etc, meanwhile I get checked very often and everything is good thank god.
So, each time I do smoke I feel a lit worse, for two days I can't get rid of a weird pressure feeling right in the middle of the just, dull and uncomfortable, perhaps something neurological it is?
I don't know what to do anymore, getting worse with every day...
My question is a bit complex I suppose,
I am almost 22 fit shaped male,
Though haven't been exercising as much as I used to before,
Cu down on smoking cigarettes lately, smoke from 2-7 per day,How do I know that I am healthy and I don't have cancer developing?( I do have back problems as well...can it feel like pain in front of chest?from the back also?)
What would you recommend from all if this, what does the problem seem to be here to you?
Feel Better when don't.
I have been unde a lot of stress the last 2-3 years, been smoking for 5
Got married recently, work us good, though I'm self employed and there's a lit to worr about but I have money.
I have an owned condo, good cars and etc, living comfortably.
Eating healthy,
Getting up at 7 going to sleep usually at 11-12.
Walks in the park and exercise in the morning.
Lately I've been having a lot more I tense anxiety attacks.I say anxiety because I did some research online, have spoken to a few friends tha have it and it all seems to match,
At times it's hard to breath, like to be in my comfortable zone,
Where there are lots of people I don't feel safe though I constantly work on it, started yoga and etc,
Trying to relax but I jus can't due to so many thoughts, 2 friends passed away young guys, cuz of cancer XXXXXXX there's a heavy soup in my head nowadays...
The question is really relate to the smoking factor.
I am trying to quit or some time now,
Now I am actually taking the slower approach to it, just as said by cutting down,
But the feelings that I get in my body I don't quite understand completely,
I pretty much know what nicotine cravings are and how they feel...
I get ove the urges usually,
But when I smoke I feel extra profuse sweating, forgot to mention that for about a year now I feel lightheaded all the time, I catch myself in supermarkets more than any other place where I feel like I am really going to fall and faint. I say o myself ok, maximum faint, but then it starts building the whole picture , oh, what if I have cancer and etc, meanwhile I get checked very often and everything is good thank god.
So, each time I do smoke I feel a lit worse, for two days I can't get rid of a weird pressure feeling right in the middle of the just, dull and uncomfortable, perhaps something neurological it is?
I don't know what to do anymore, getting worse with every day...
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanx for posting your qyery.
There is no doubt that you are really stressed out. Relax! Take a few XXXXXXX breaths. I`ll try and answer your query and alleviate your fears about cancer.
It`s good that you have realized the harmful effects of smoking and trying to cut it down. But i`ll suggest that you should cut it cold XXXXXXX ie just tell yourself that you will not smoke anymore. For this you require a very strong will power. You may consult your physician or a counsellor. You can join a self help group of other smokers wanting to quit smoking or talk to an ex smoker regarding beneficial effects of quitting.. If you want you may try nicotine patches though i personally do not recommend them.
Coming to the risk of cancer that you are worried about, though smoking has been established as a cause of lung and many other cancers but i think you are undually worried. In your case risk seems to be negligible since you do not have any symptoms, age is in your favour, and you have`nt smoked for very long. So take that fear out of your mind.
However, since you are so worried about your well being, i suggest that you take a complete health check after cosulting your physician. It will include certain tests to rule out common ailments like diabetes, high BP, thyroid, liver and kidney disease and any apparent lung problem. Do get a PFT and a CT Chest done which will help in ruling out asthma and any lump in the lungs which will further help in alleviating your fear of lung cancer.
Lastly i would like to suggest that think positive, adopt a healthy life style, eat healthy, do some physical exercise, do some yoga and indulge in a hobby. If required, you may consult a psychiatrist for your anxiety.
I hope i`ve answered your query. Take care.
Thanx for posting your qyery.
There is no doubt that you are really stressed out. Relax! Take a few XXXXXXX breaths. I`ll try and answer your query and alleviate your fears about cancer.
It`s good that you have realized the harmful effects of smoking and trying to cut it down. But i`ll suggest that you should cut it cold XXXXXXX ie just tell yourself that you will not smoke anymore. For this you require a very strong will power. You may consult your physician or a counsellor. You can join a self help group of other smokers wanting to quit smoking or talk to an ex smoker regarding beneficial effects of quitting.. If you want you may try nicotine patches though i personally do not recommend them.
Coming to the risk of cancer that you are worried about, though smoking has been established as a cause of lung and many other cancers but i think you are undually worried. In your case risk seems to be negligible since you do not have any symptoms, age is in your favour, and you have`nt smoked for very long. So take that fear out of your mind.
However, since you are so worried about your well being, i suggest that you take a complete health check after cosulting your physician. It will include certain tests to rule out common ailments like diabetes, high BP, thyroid, liver and kidney disease and any apparent lung problem. Do get a PFT and a CT Chest done which will help in ruling out asthma and any lump in the lungs which will further help in alleviating your fear of lung cancer.
Lastly i would like to suggest that think positive, adopt a healthy life style, eat healthy, do some physical exercise, do some yoga and indulge in a hobby. If required, you may consult a psychiatrist for your anxiety.
I hope i`ve answered your query. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks a lot doctor,
I will get it done,
Appreciate it
I will get it done,
Appreciate it
Thanx XXXXXXX
All the very best.
All the very best.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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