What Causes Shortness Of Breath After Quitting Smoking?

Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015

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

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I sometimes become short of breath walking , it can be a shot distance , I have had test on my heart and breathing test all ok , also had asma pumps none of which has helped my Gp is now saying there are no more test to have , I know my body and know this is not right , I'm 64 stopped smoking 8 years ago , take medication for Bp and cal estriol also for Ostroposic , I also experience musel spasms from time to time . XXXX

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
SOunds like COPD

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal
I have read your query.
I would like to know how frequently did you smoke?
The reason I ask is that there is a strong possibility of COPD.
That may cause breathlessness.
In fact if its COPD, the chances are that it will not recover.
The damage done to the lungs by chronic smoking is irreversible.
I would suggest 2 tests-
1. pulmonary function test
2. CT of chest.
I have tried to make it as simple as possible.
Do let me know the reports of the tests.
Please feel free to ask a follow up query.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal

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