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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Breathing on right side only.
Answered by
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Breathing on right side only.
by Liz E., Aug 25, 2006 12:00AM
I had shortness of breath while I was speaking that I first started noticing about 9 months ago. I unfortunately smoked for 30 years with the last five years spent quitting, relasping, quitting, relapsing and finally for the past ten months QUIT. I am a 46 year old female and work out daily for an hour. When I first noticed the shortness of breath, I just figured my lungs were healing up after quitting. Then I started feeling like I couldn't breath after being in a hot shower. It feels like I have a lump in my throat/chest...hard to describe. Feels like I need to clear my throat/chest but I don't have a cough. I also have GERD and thought it could be related but lately have not been able to breath when around pollution/roofs being tarred and cigerette smoke (2nd hand). I had a chest x-ray and lung function test done and they came back normal. HELP - I am really scared. What should be my next step and please tell me if it's possible to have COPD in just one lung? The fear is taking over my life now...hard to concentrate on anything other then my health and anxiety. I should tell you my doctor had my throat checked out as well and that came back normal. I know this may sound funny but I feel like there is actually a heartbeat in the area that feels weird. (Could be just from the anxiety). There is only a few days out of the month that I don't feel this lump. Thank you for your time and attention to my question. Any information on which steps I need to take would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Sep 13, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 13, 2006 12:00AM
It isn’t possible to have COPD in just one lung from cigarette smoking. When COPD is present it can be worse in one lung than the other.
Your symptoms suggest asthma. It is possible to have normal lung function tests with asthma, depending on the presence or absence of symptoms at the time. It could also be anxiety, with or without a panic disorder. Awareness of your heartbeat in your throat and the feeling of a lump in your throat can also be due to anxiety.
The report of a normal chest x-ray and lung function tests is very re-assuring. You should consult with a lung specialist to determine if you have asthma or a related condition. Also, there are many causes of shortness of breath, including heart disease. The longer you wait to seek expert opinion, the more anxiety is likely to play a role.
Your symptoms suggest asthma. It is possible to have normal lung function tests with asthma, depending on the presence or absence of symptoms at the time. It could also be anxiety, with or without a panic disorder. Awareness of your heartbeat in your throat and the feeling of a lump in your throat can also be due to anxiety.
The report of a normal chest x-ray and lung function tests is very re-assuring. You should consult with a lung specialist to determine if you have asthma or a related condition. Also, there are many causes of shortness of breath, including heart disease. The longer you wait to seek expert opinion, the more anxiety is likely to play a role.
