What Causes Pain During Exhalation Post Smoking Withdrawal?

Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2015

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

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I quit smoking a week ago, I am 32 and have smoked on and off for about 10 years - not heavily (about 6-10 cigarettes a day). I workout 5 days a week doing interval training - always working out very hard, breathing very heavily, pushing myself to a maximum heart rate during my workouts. I feel like I am in excellent health and am very fit. I also recently just had 2 babies (7 months post partum)

Since I quit smoking, cold turkey with the patch, I experience very slight plain or a sensation in my right lung from time to time when I exhale. Of course I am concerned about it. The week before I quit I had a cold that was moving into my chest (i no longer feel any symptoms of a cold). I don't experience this pain all the time and never feel it when I am breathing heavy or working out.

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely nothing dangerous, if persists xray and lung function advisable

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

from your description, it is very likely no dangerous lung condition since the problem does not occur while working out.

However, if this persists i would usually recommend an x ray and lung function test to be sure.

To bring down the pain you can try otc pain medication like ibuprofen first.

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad