Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Why Do I Feel Short Of Breath After Quitting Heavy Smoking?
Hi there
I quit smoking just after christmas but now I am short of breath. My lungs dont feel full and the air that is in them does not seem to get used. My chest feels tight with occasional sharp pain, however I have no cough no mucus and no blocked nose. Please could you advise me further. I am 34 years old, female not particularly overweight generally quite active and I smoked about 20 per day for about 10 years.
any advice would be much appreciated.
Kind regards
Tracey
I quit smoking just after christmas but now I am short of breath. My lungs dont feel full and the air that is in them does not seem to get used. My chest feels tight with occasional sharp pain, however I have no cough no mucus and no blocked nose. Please could you advise me further. I am 34 years old, female not particularly overweight generally quite active and I smoked about 20 per day for about 10 years.
any advice would be much appreciated.
Kind regards
Tracey
Mon, 24 Feb 2014
Hi, I had gone through your query and understand your concerns.
Post quitting , It takes time for the lungs to heal ( with all the chronic effect of smoking).
Breathing exercises and slow walk usually helps to improve lung functions .
- place your hand on your tummy and Watching your hand rise & fall with your breathing is good exercise .
- also take little walk to relive the anxiety .
If not improving,I suggest to consult a Pulmonologist as you may need a chest Xary to look into the pathology as Chronic smoking can lead respiratory illness . ( But have seen in smokers who quit with theses complaints and all tests being normal in most of them) I feel it takes time for the lung system to improve the functions.But Medical opinion will relive illness related worries and helps to continue to quit .Definite advise is to consult Pulmonologist or Physician to rule out respiratory illness
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health..
Post quitting , It takes time for the lungs to heal ( with all the chronic effect of smoking).
Breathing exercises and slow walk usually helps to improve lung functions .
- place your hand on your tummy and Watching your hand rise & fall with your breathing is good exercise .
- also take little walk to relive the anxiety .
If not improving,I suggest to consult a Pulmonologist as you may need a chest Xary to look into the pathology as Chronic smoking can lead respiratory illness . ( But have seen in smokers who quit with theses complaints and all tests being normal in most of them) I feel it takes time for the lung system to improve the functions.But Medical opinion will relive illness related worries and helps to continue to quit .Definite advise is to consult Pulmonologist or Physician to rule out respiratory illness
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.
Wishing you good health..
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....