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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Breathing Problems In Smoker Caused Due To COPD?

I just found out via lung x-ray that I have moderate hyperinflation 'most likely due to COPD.' I smoked from when I was 12 until I was 19, quit for 8 years and started again about 1 1/2 years ago. I am 29 years old now and have been having shortness of breath for a good 6 years that really limits my activity. I chalked it up to being out of shape. Could I really have COPD?
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 3 Aug 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 4 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Yes. Frankly, it has to be pretty obvious to show up on X-ray (which is not as sensitive as testing breathing capacity on spirometry). Testing how much wind you have by breathing in a tube with measuring equipment is the most accurate assessment, and would be a first step. Pretty strong reason to quit.
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Are Breathing Problems In Smoker Caused Due To COPD?

Yes. Frankly, it has to be pretty obvious to show up on X-ray (which is not as sensitive as testing breathing capacity on spirometry). Testing how much wind you have by breathing in a tube with measuring equipment is the most accurate assessment, and would be a first step. Pretty strong reason to quit.