Breathing Difficulty and Test

[bcscover]

Hello, 30 Male 6'2 155, smoker 15yrs,  my question is I have been having trouble breathing in the mornings when waking up. Now when I wake up an smoke a cigarette feels like my lungs open back up. I had a spirometer test done 6 months ago with FEV1 92% Pred.Today FEV1 was 83%. now thats a 9% differance is this something I should be worried about. Aslo first test I smoked before test. Second test didnt smoke at all that day. Also could this be due to lack of exercise and allergies?

Thanks

[National Jewish Health]

One must always be cautious in basing a conclusion on one measurement, especially when the difference is this small.  This difference may be within the range that your breathing  always fluctuates on a daily basis.  It would be wise to repeat the test.  It would also be wise to do everything within your power to stop smoking.  You may be right that smoking or not, may have effected the test results.  It is paradoxical, since smoking is the most common cause of excessive mucous production in the lungs, but smokers often experience an “opening-up” of the lungs while smoking.  The reason for this is uncertain but it may have to do with the initial irritation may stimulate cough and, perhaps in other ways, facilitate mucous clearing and allow air to pass without as much obstruction.  A lack of exercise is generally not deemed to be a cause of changes, especially worsening of pulmonary function.

If you have some interest in quitting smoking, you might want to first call your State’s Quit Line.  The persons who work quit lines are highly motivated and can be quite helpful.

Good luck

[bcscover]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I am also quitting smoking, it will be hard to do but I will do it.

Thanks Again,

Bryan