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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Heavy Smoking Causes Congestion And Breathing Problem?

I started smoking about a month ago but I only smoke maybe two packs a week. Recently my chest feels tight and I can't take a good deep breath without pain. I've cut down because I'm trying to quit. Is this normal? Will my breathing return to normal or is that the new normal?
Mon, 16 Mar 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Yes, cigarette smoking is the cause for your symptoms.
Cigarette smoke actually causes irritation, inflammation in the airways.
These cause edema and mucus production. So congestion is due to edema.
It also causes bronchospasm, so breathing difficulty is felt.
It also damage respiratory epithelium and make it prone for infection.
So chances of lung infection are high in smokers.
Since you have started smoking only before 1 month, no need to worry for permanent lung damage.
And yes, this can be cured with bronchodilators and antihistamine drug.
But you need to quit smoking as soon as possible.
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Does Heavy Smoking Causes Congestion And Breathing Problem?

Hello dear, thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, cigarette smoking is the cause for your symptoms. Cigarette smoke actually causes irritation, inflammation in the airways. These cause edema and mucus production. So congestion is due to edema. It also causes bronchospasm, so breathing difficulty is felt. It also damage respiratory epithelium and make it prone for infection. So chances of lung infection are high in smokers. Since you have started smoking only before 1 month, no need to worry for permanent lung damage. And yes, this can be cured with bronchodilators and antihistamine drug. But you need to quit smoking as soon as possible.