What Causes Chest Pain After Quitting Smoking?

Posted on Thu, 12 Apr 2018

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

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 Answered on

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 40 y/o F, 5' 2" - 125lbs. no prior medical issues. I have been having slight chest pains for a few weeks and am very fatigued. The pains vary from a heavy compression on my breast bone to sudden dull "stabs" which feels like in my lungs. I don't think it is related to acid reflux because it doesn't burn and is at all times of day, not just around eating. It worsens when I lay down. In addition, I am very short of breath. I can't vacumn for 5-10 minutes without feeling faint/losing my breath. It's almost as if I "forget" to breathe. Very Odd. Something that likely isn't related is I have the urge to urinate out of nowhere and it is SUDDEN and OFTEN. It's become a problem.
I will add a major contributor and that is I am a smoker of a pack a day. I have just signed up for quitting aid but concerned about the current symptoms.

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

Brief Answer:

Please do the following

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

As a smoker, if you were my patient I'd suggest you get a Spirometry test with bronchodilators.

If it is positive than the breathlessness is due to the airways narrowing and needs treatment. In such cases, nebulizers are indicated like Budesonide twice for a few days.

The worsening of breathlessness in laying position is usually a sign of acid reflux of the stomach.

Regarding the problem of the urination, I don't think this is related directly to the actual situation.

Please discuss with your doctor for the above.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Jnikolla, Pulmonologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee