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What Causes Persistent Shortness Of Breath After Quitting Smoking?
Question: Hi, Dr. Rynne,
I'm a 36-year M.Sclerosis patient who smoked cigarettes for 36 years, quit in 1998. (I'm 66 years old, female).
I've been experiencing shortness of breath for about 2 weeks, just saw my G. P. this past Wednesday (9/14/16),who took blood and is sending me for more tests in local hospital this coming Wednesday.
My only question is: had planned on attending a baby shower tomorrow, but I don't want to put anyone in harm's way if I have something catching...Can you help me?
I'm a 36-year M.Sclerosis patient who smoked cigarettes for 36 years, quit in 1998. (I'm 66 years old, female).
I've been experiencing shortness of breath for about 2 weeks, just saw my G. P. this past Wednesday (9/14/16),who took blood and is sending me for more tests in local hospital this coming Wednesday.
My only question is: had planned on attending a baby shower tomorrow, but I don't want to put anyone in harm's way if I have something catching...Can you help me?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from your description apart from the shortness of breath there is no indication of an infection, no fever, sweats or productive cough. So the symptoms are not necessarily due to an infection, they may be due to a heart condition, or to chronic changes of the airways.
It might be useful to know the results of those blood tests, whether there was any indication of an infection there like increased white blood cell count, or increased c-reactive protein levels.
However with the available info I would say there is not any strong indication to avoid attending the baby shower. If you want to really make sure you can put on a face mask for extra insurance, but even without that the others should be fine.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from your description apart from the shortness of breath there is no indication of an infection, no fever, sweats or productive cough. So the symptoms are not necessarily due to an infection, they may be due to a heart condition, or to chronic changes of the airways.
It might be useful to know the results of those blood tests, whether there was any indication of an infection there like increased white blood cell count, or increased c-reactive protein levels.
However with the available info I would say there is not any strong indication to avoid attending the baby shower. If you want to really make sure you can put on a face mask for extra insurance, but even without that the others should be fine.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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