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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Trouble Breathing, Heartburn, Hands Numbness, Chest Pain Though Quit Smoking?

My significant other has been having problems. He used to be a heavy smoker and even smoked a fair amount of synthetic marijuana. He hasn't smoked anything at all for over a year because it started scaring him. He often felt like he couldn't breath or get a full breathe. I suppose I should add that he gets severe heartburn at least twice a day; sometimes more. For the past few days his hands have been going numb and locking up. Last night he said he felt a stab in his chest and today he tried running. He used to run five miles a day and now he never does. He ran this morning and stopped after maybe a minute. He couldn't get a breathe and he said he felt stabbing pains in his chest again. Both sides of his chest. What could it be? Or should we focus on heart or lungs?
Thu, 28 May 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand his condition and problem.
Smoking is biggest risk factor for heart and lung disease.
His symptoms are more in favour of cardiac disease.
So better to get done ecg and 2d echo first.
If both are normal then no need to worry for cardiac cause.
Bronchitis can also cause shortness of breath and stabbing chest pain.
So get done chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out bronchitis.
So consult doctor and discuss all these, first diagnose himself and then start appropriate treatment.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish him good health.
Thanks.
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What Causes Trouble Breathing, Heartburn, Hands Numbness, Chest Pain Though Quit Smoking?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand his condition and problem. Smoking is biggest risk factor for heart and lung disease. His symptoms are more in favour of cardiac disease. So better to get done ecg and 2d echo first. If both are normal then no need to worry for cardiac cause. Bronchitis can also cause shortness of breath and stabbing chest pain. So get done chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) to rule out bronchitis. So consult doctor and discuss all these, first diagnose himself and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. Wish him good health. Thanks.