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What Causes Shortness Of Breath And Wheezing After Discontinuing Smoking?

Posted on Mon, 16 Jan 2017

Question: I quit smoking 1/20/2014 and some time later started experiencing shortness of breath anytime a walk a short distance. I don't have a cough or wheezing. My blood pressure is normal. My blood oxygen level is usually 94 to 97 and my vascular condition reading is 2. Could this be anxiety or something else? Prior to quitting had smoked 45 years.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Based on your description, the cause of the shortness of breath needs to be determined. Chest x ray, ESR/ CRP, complete blood count should be done. If there is any focus of infection, it should be promptly addressed. If there is any finding on the chest x ray e.g node, effusion, suspicious growth etc then CT chest can also be considered for a more extensive view. Exercise tolerance test should be done to rule out a cardiac cause for the shortness of breath. Treatment can be advised according to the cause.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (36 minutes later)

From the info I provided, are there any diagnosis you might rule out?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Ruling out wont be conclusive based on history alone.

Smoking for 45 years opens the door to COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in particular and a number of other pulmonary conditions. However, workup for the above can only result in a final answer. Till then probability would only add to your anxiety. Get the investigations done in consult with your doctor to have peace of mind.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

In other words, I should have just seen a local doctor and not bothered with submitting a question here. Thank you anyway.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

I am sorry that you felt that way. That was certainly not my intention.

Let me explain again.

Based on the information you provided, one could neither rule out COPD nor confirm malignancy. It would be unethical of me to reassure you based alone on symptoms that its not COPD or any other serious cause. Upon investigation, if the very disease comes out to be the diagnosis then it would be even more hurtful.

I wanted to help you in taking the right next step which is informed.

If you have any queries regarding this , I am at your service.

Thanks

Dr. MS Khalil

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