What Causes Shortness Of Breath After Having Food?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

Question: I was a chain smoker for last 17 yrs. I have quit smoking for last 4 months. But recently i am having short breathness after taking bath, climbing stairs, after having food. I consulted a doctor, he suggested it may be a case of copd and suggested chest x ray. Has been given two inhalers to be taken . Do not have any cough but has joint pains. Is it a case of COPD or any other disese of the lung. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get done PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, possibility of COPD is more.
Another possibility is Pulmonary embolism. It is rare possibility but smoking is known risk factor for Pulmonary embolism.
But possibility of COPD (chronic obstructive Pulmonary disease) is more.
For diagnosis of COPD, PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) is must. It not only diagnose COPD but also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment of COPD is based on severity only.
And regular monitoring with PFT is needed for treatment modifications.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done PFT.
If it shows obstructive pattern than you are definitely having COPD.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

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