I Am 46 Years Old And A Smoker Of 20

Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I am 46 years old and a smoker of 20 years. I quit about 1.5 months ago. Last summer I had an XR, a CT scan and spirometry and told i was clear. Since i quit smoking i have mild shortness of breath whilst talking. I have no issues with any other activities and I jog without an issue. My oxygen levels are usually 95 to 97 but when I am lying they go down to 93, occasionaly 92. My respiration rate is 18 to 24.. My at rest heart rate is 68 to 75. Only a few moths ago was as low as 55. I had an XRay last week, it was clear again. A mild cough I habd since quit smoking has strted disapearing. My concern is if i have COPD

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please talk with your doctor to do a Spirometry test

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask the Doctor service

I read carefully the history of your symptoms.

Yes I agree that COPD should be excluded
For this I suggest you to do the Spirometry with bronchodilator (Aeroline) test. If it positive than you should start inhalers ,if not than no COPD. However despite all of this the most important step you have already done quoting smoking.
However the cough migt be from gastric reflux also. Please discuss with your doctor for the above. He or she will advise you further.

Hope to have been helpful

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (1 hour later)

I ll try and get a sprirometry test with bronnchilator once the covid 19 mesures relax. Could I please ask, what other than COPD could it be?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Continue discussion

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

It might be from gastric reflux or even any allergy
However that fast is useful also in allergies. Meanwhile for the gastric problems you can use Omeprazol 40 mg once in the morning. If the cough improves than you can continue for up to two weeks.

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng