Approx. 6mos. ago I had kidney stones and they are now clear. However an MRI taken during that period revealed that my right lungs' lower lobe had collapsed. I'd never had an MRI, so I don't know how long it has been this way. My amateur research tells me this can be the result of shallow breathing, which I confess to being a shallow breather. I am 66yrs old, Type 2 diabetic, metformin only, 6', 297lbs., male who is still active but now experience shortness of breath. I quit smoking in 1985,drink 1 alcoholic drink/day and for the past 6 mos. I cough mucus seemingly from the bottom of my throat or the very top of my lungs w/ no pain. Is this an early symptom of congestive heart failure, no family history, or something more lung related? I've never been diagnosed with asthma but for years I do experience a whistle in my lungs after a hard laugh. What do you think Doc.