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Does Excessive Smoking Lead To COPD?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016

Question: Hello. I am a 43 y/0 male and I have a 11 pack-year history of smoking. I am terrified that I have COPD because I just watched my mother die of this disease (age 80, 50+ pack years). Last week I visited the local ER to see if they could tell if I had COPD or not. Chest sounds, x ray, and blood gasses were all perfectly normal. I have not had spirometry done.

Is 11-pack years enough smoking time to develop COPD? I have read that it's usually seen in smokers with more like 20+ pack years.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No, 11 pack years of smoking index can cause COPD.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, this is not true.
11 pack year smoking index can cause COPD.
But it is not true that all smokers will develop COPD and all COPD patients are smoker.
COPD can be seen with non smokers too.
And some smokers not show COPD despite of smoking whole life.
Basically, COPD is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and spirometry results.
Smoking is definitely a risk factor for COPD.
So please let me know
1. Do you have breathlessness?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Thanks for your answer. No, I do not have breathlessness, not even on exertion.

I do have a slight cough, but literally only once or twice a day with very little phlegm production.

I had a "panic attack" about this last weekend, went to the ER, and they said breath sounds, chest x-ray, and arterial blood gasses were perfectly normal.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT first.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Possibility of COPD is less likely in your case. But better to get done PFT for confirmation of this.
And irrespective of results, you should definitely quit smoking as soon as possible because development of COPD is more in smokers.
So quit smoking as soon as possible.
Please let me know
1. Do you have stressful life?
Please reply me answer of above asked question, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (23 minutes later)

Yes, unfortunately it is. And I've had generalized anxiety disorder with a history attacks for years. Sometimes it's much worse than other times. One of the symptoms with my panic attacks is shortness of breath. This began long before I even started smoking.
I'm sorry, I meant to say, generalized anxiety disorder with a history of panic attacks.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have you ever consulted psychiatrist?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, you should not worry about COPD.
Your current symptoms are mostly due to uncontrolled stress, anxiety and panic disorder.
Please let me know
1. Have you ever consulted psychiatrist?
2. What kind of stress you are having? I mean work related or family related?
3. Is stress the reason for your smoking?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar