Paging Dr ATOT - shortness of breath, should I see a doc?

[GodlessAstronomer]

Since around Wednesday last week (23rd Sep) I've noticed a sudden shortness of breath when I do anything physical. Today I was huffing and puffing from walking 5 minutes from my car to class. I've never been particularly fit but I do walk or skateboard around 40-70km per week, but haven't been doing this the last few days due to weather.

I'm a relatively heavy smoker (12-17 per day), which is why I don't know if I should see a doc. Shortness of breath is pretty common for smokers, but on the other hand it has come on very suddenly.

Anyway, the whole thing has me pretty concerned so I decided this morning to kick the habit. Just ordered an 8-week supply of lozenges and patches for $3 through the government sponsored quit program and I smoked my last cig this morning and didn't buy any more while I was out.

 

[theflyingpig]

Don't see a doctor until you can't breathe at all. That's usually when people feel the need for a medical professional. Like you said, this kind of thing is common for smokers, so there's really no need for you to use common sense and see a doctor. Everyone knows this.

 

[MikeMike]

and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

 

[compuwiz1]

How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

 

[rudeguy]

from a fellow smoker....

take a couple tylenol, drink a tall glass of ice water and then take a nap.


If you don't wake up, I was wrong.

 

[Mo0o]

Yes go get checked out.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

was not referring to your post, was referring to the one above me.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

was not referring to your post, was referring to the one above me.

Oh, sorry

 

[Kaervak]

Seeing as how adequate oxygenation to your body is rather important, I'd get things checked out. Especially since this is a rapid onset, that's a bit worrisome to me. And good on you or deciding to quit, please keep it that way.

Chances are it's nothing too big, but if it's a respiratory infection get it taken care of now.

 

[theflyingpig]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

was not referring to your post, was referring to the one above me.

You are a fool if you believe that is why healthcare is getting more expensive. Educate yourself.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

it's not the smoking.

do you know your family's health history? and heart issues? asthma?

do you have low back pain or stiffness in the morning when you wake up?

do you feel better when you flex forward?

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Thanks for the advice guys, just gave these folks a call and she concurs about getting checked out ASAP. Calling a doc now :thumbsup:

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer
Thanks for the advice guys, just gave these folks a call and she concurs about getting checked out ASAP. Calling a doc now :thumbsup:

according to that site, its swine flu

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

it's not the smoking.

do you know your family's health history? and heart issues? asthma?

do you have low back pain or stiffness in the morning when you wake up?

do you feel better when you flex forward?

No history that I know of. No pain or stiffness, not sure about flexing forward, I'd have to give it a go after walking up some stairs.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

it's not the smoking.

do you know your family's health history? and heart issues? asthma?

do you have low back pain or stiffness in the morning when you wake up?

do you feel better when you flex forward?

No history that I know of. No pain or stiffness, not sure about flexing forward, I'd have to give it a go after walking up some stairs.

do you have a curvature in your spine?

anyone in your family have any autoimmune diseases or arthropathies?

go for a jog and see how long it takes before you get winded.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

it's not the smoking.

do you know your family's health history? and heart issues? asthma?

do you have low back pain or stiffness in the morning when you wake up?

do you feel better when you flex forward?

What the fuck? Eits, you have no right to tell him it's not the smoking. You smoke, your lungs get jacked up. That is a certainty. The smoking has at least exacerbated the problem. You aren't a doctor. You haven't even looked at him. Sometimes, you really surprise me with your voodoo. Quit trying to play that role around here, man. You have no idea what it is.

 

[rudeguy]

/lawnchair

 

[BoomerD]

How much exercise do you get on a REGULAR basis?

I've smoked for more years than I want to admit, but until only a few years ago, I was in excellent physical condition, could run at least a couple of miles, climb stairs or ladders with no problem, and could do just about any kind of physical labor with the young kids who didn't smoke...and keep up with them all day.

I really doubt the sudden shortness of breath is smoking related, BUT, if the possibility gets you to quit, then YES, that's the main cause. ANY reason to quit is a good one.

Should you see a doctor? That's up to you, but it sounds like you're a fucking hypochondriac like at least half of ATOT, so by all means, go see one. IIRC, NZ has a decent socialized medicine program, so it doesn't cost you much if anything out of pocket, even if there's nothing wrong.

 

[Mo0o]

Any cough or fever?

Obviously if you smoke you probably have a lot of phlegm on a regular basis but has it changed in color or consistency recentlY?

When you lie down do you feel any different?

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
How much exercise do you get on a REGULAR basis?

Lots. I skateboard and walk everywhere I go. I don't run or do weights but I'm no sloth.

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Any cough or fever?

Obviously if you smoke you probably have a lot of phlegm on a regular basis but has it changed in color or consistency recentlY?

When you lie down do you feel any different?

Nah no cough or fever. I've never coughed up phlegm

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: BoomerD
How much exercise do you get on a REGULAR basis?

Lots. I skateboard and walk everywhere I go. I don't run or do weights but I'm no sloth.

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Any cough or fever?

Obviously if you smoke you probably have a lot of phlegm on a regular basis but has it changed in color or consistency recentlY?

When you lie down do you feel any different?

Nah no cough or fever. I've never coughed up phlegm

not really sure what it could be. you should take an aspirin though

 

[magomago]

smoking JUST might be a good start to resolving this problem Who knows, maybe all the sudden some of your alveoli couldn't stand it and you got pwned. Stopping ASAP is best for your life.

 

[compuwiz1]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

it's not the smoking.

do you know your family's health history? and heart issues? asthma?

do you have low back pain or stiffness in the morning when you wake up?

do you feel better when you flex forward?

What the fuck? Eits, you have no right to tell him it's not the smoking. You smoke, your lungs get jacked up. That is a certainty. The smoking has at least exacerbated the problem. You aren't a doctor. You haven't even looked at him. Sometimes, you really surprise me with your voodoo. Quit trying to play that role around here, man. You have no idea what it is.

He's only smoked for 7 years and less than a pack a day. You don't lose lung capacity that soon, at that young of an age just from smoking. At his age, as a smoker, I was still able to jog 10 miles.

 

[eits]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: eits

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
and people wonder why healthcare is getting more expensive... because people go to the doctor for any stupid thing.

I haven't seen a doctor, and I don't know if this is a "stupid thing" or not, that's why I'm asking. And the cost of your health care has nothing to do with what I'm doing in NZ, so ah heck off.

Originally posted by: compuwiz1
How old are you and how long have you smoked? You need to see a doc, as it could be cardio issues too.

I'm 24, have smoked since I was 17.

it's not the smoking.

do you know your family's health history? and heart issues? asthma?

do you have low back pain or stiffness in the morning when you wake up?

do you feel better when you flex forward?

What the fuck? Eits, you have no right to tell him it's not the smoking. You smoke, your lungs get jacked up. That is a certainty. The smoking has at least exacerbated the problem. You aren't a doctor. You haven't even looked at him. Sometimes, you really surprise me with your voodoo. Quit trying to play that role around here, man. You have no idea what it is.

yeah, if you smoke, your lungs get jacked up... but he's only been smoking for 7 years. you shouldn't be winded after 5 mins from smoking a half a pack for only 7 years. is it bad for your health? absolutely. he already knows that and that's why he's trying to quit. but you seriously shouldn't be winded from smoking for only 7 years.

i am a doctor, actually. and, you're right, i have no idea what he has. i haven't done any tests or anything on him to find out. i'm asking him questions that might point me in the right direction on advising him on who to see, though. at his age, it's common for sudden onset of shortness of breath to be a host of things. there's no voodoo involved.

he came here to ask us what he might have... he might have ankylosing spondylitis, acute asthma, a mass, an enlarged heart, scoliosis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, marfan's syndrome, mitral valve prolapes, etc....

the best thing, as he already knows, is to just go see a doctor... but he came here first just for fun. this sort of thing is fun for me too, so i'm gonna play along.