Difficulty breathing after exposure to cigarette smoke

[Marley674]

Hello,

I have always been sensitive to cigarette smoke, but lately breathing even small amounts of smoke is difficult.

Last night I was exposed to the smoke of one cigarette in a somewhat enclosed space (a car with one window open.)  I immediately experienced difficulty breathing with a deep, wet cough.  Since then I've had difficulty breathing, with cough and slight wheezing.  I'm told I sound congested, though I don't feel congested.  My lungs feel like they're burning.  When I try to lie down, it becomes very difficult to breathe; my lungs feel solid.

I've limited my exposure to smoke today, and my symptoms have not worsened.

I've been prescribed albuterol in the past, but these symptoms don't feel like anything I've felt before.  I'm currently unemployed with no insurance, so seeing a doctor is out of the question.

Advice would be welcome, please.  Thank you.

[National Jewish]

You may have asthma.  When insurance allows please be seen by a doctor so that this can be treated.  In the meantime, avoid any and all inhaled irritants, especially cigarette smoke.  Do not hesitate to state that you have a breathing problem and politely ask that others not smoke in your presence.

[marina*]

Andy,

Thanks for the info.


Have a wonderful day!!
Marina*

[AndyRRT]

Well, simple thing is, just stay away from any cigarette exposure. Your lungs are super sensitive to the cigaratte smoke. This is VERY common. Exposure can result in coughing, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, wretching, and even nausea.

When the body reacts to such polutants, it can be shocking. The strains of all the coughing and spasming can take a toll and you will feeling the lasting effects of such exposure. The albuterol is a good idea, and will fix any wheezing you may experience. But the best remidy is merely staying away from it.

Andy,RRT,CPFT

[AndyRRT]

Marina,

There are many trigger for asthma and sleep apnea is not one of them.

There are two types of sleep apnea, obstructive and central. Central Sleep Apnea isn't very common. This stems from a neurological dysfunction. Usually occuring from the brain stem where respiration occurs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common. This is when soft tissue (tongue, soft-palate) obstructs the back of the throat during sleep and stops or impedes any airflow from entering the lungs and causing apneic episodes. Mild cases can range from snoring to the complete absence of any breathing. Treating OSA can be accomplished by using CPAP. I can get into this more, but I think it exceeds your question.

There really is no pre-op preparation for sleep apnea. Be sure your surgical team knows you have this problem. It could make for a difficult intubation for the anesthesiologist. He/she will ask you these questions prior to going into the operating room anyways. you can take your home CPAP system with you and use it at night while in your hospital room. Just let the staff know you have it so they can call their biomedical service to make sure it meets OSHA regulations for use on hospital property.

Let your surgical team also know you have asthma and any other allergies you may have. Some medications can cause allergic reactions which could definately trigger your asthma.

Post operatively, you will feel a bit cloudy.  Sometimes this feeling can take several days to shake off. This is mostly the sedation and pain meds they gave you. The first few days could enhance your sleep apnea because of your "super-relaxed" state.

Goodluck with your procedure Marina!

Andy, RRT,CPFT

[marina*]

Andy,

Would you mind answering  a few questions?

Can sleep apnea trigger an asthma attack? Also,what precautions should be taken for someone who has both conditions,when undergoing any surgical procedure,(both pre-op and post-op)?  


Marina*