How to know if it's emphysema?From wikipedia: "Symptoms include shortness of breath on exertion and later at rest, hyperventilation, and an expanded chest. However, the constricted air passages are not deadly immediately after they have been thus constricted by emphysema and there is treatment available."
I am absolutely experiencing shortness of breath. I haven't passed out or anything, but I fear that I might. There's heart problems in my family genes, but I don't think a heart attack lasts for 2 days without me dying or a symptom change.. or.. something...
I debated asthma, but I can breathe just fine. It's just... as if the oxygen has no effect, and I'm not getting enough. It gives this "heavy" feeling in my chest, and I constantly find myself trying to intake more air.
I am a smoker, but quit as of new years 01/01/2009. I debated withdrawals, and so I smoked a cig today. It had no effect (positive or negative). I also tried jogging and this also made my situation no better and no worse.
I have ruled out panic attack because I'm totally calm, and my pulse per minute is the same during the period in time which I'm more conscious of the issue w/ breathing and begin worrying, as it is randomly throughout the day.
Any ideas are definitely appreciated. I'm worried I may need to see a doctor or something...
Also - I can hear myself breathe slightly.
It's like a weezing noise. Very hard to hear, but definitely present if searched for.
I beleive that is another symptom of emphysema, is it not?
Also. It's probly important to know that I have only smoked for 3 years now. Roughly 1 pack a week, to 1 pack a month invariably.
I'm 20 years old, and this breathing problem has occured almost instantaneously.
Help :(
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Will set you as the Best Answer in a few days. Unfortunately I accidently clicked the extend option, and so it has appearingly dissallowed me to set this question as solved.
I also can't rate until im level 2 or I'd do that.
Thank you both so much for your help. I have decided to see the doctor tomorrow.
-casdave2001
The diagnosis is speculative until you have pulmonary function tests. Or a cat scan or it can be suspected on standard chest xray unless it's advanced and then it's diagnostic. An RV/TLC ratio of 40% or better is diagnostic.If you smoked, they judge it on what's called pack/yrs. That's how many packs per day you smoked times the number of years. Like if you smoked 1 pk per day for 40 yrs you'd have a 40 pack yr history. or 2 pks per day for 15 yrs = 30 pkyrs. Generally if you have a pkyr history of more than 40 they suspect emphysema.
God bless you my friend. hope this wasn't bad news.
Just read your addendum. Forget it, you haven't got emphysema but you could have chronic bronchitis which if you continued to smoke would lead to emphysema.Your best move was to stop. in about 6 months you should feel fine unless there are any other factors you haven't mentioned.
-iameJPAJDL
First answer is very good & you should be checked out by a Dr if this continues.. From what you asked it sounds like your breathing problems are triggered by excercise but doesn't seem like emphysema.
Could be bronchitis & smoking won't help so please stop while you're ahead..I smoked for years even with asthma & COPD & using oxygen while sleeping..Finally stopped smoking Dec 31 & already feel much better..Not easy but can be done!!
Please again,see a Dr cuz no-one here can dx you..
Best wishes,
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