Not sure what this is (after researching)

[smoove_ha_haa]

I started smoking when I was approximately 16, and quit at the age of 22. The main reasons I quit were because I was joining the military at the time, and I was having breathing difficulty while smoking or in an area of second hand smoke.

During the two years away from being around any source of smoke, with lots of exercise, I was in the best shape of my life, was able to run 2.4km in 8:30 min.

For the past year i've been living near a relative who smokes, and just from visiting my breathing difficulties have come back. My level of fitness has decreased dramatically since.

I am not sure what this could be, and I know I need to remove myself from the situation, but, I am also wondering if I will be able to get my fitness back to where it was.

Thanks,

Chris Smoove

[smoove_ha_haa]

Thank-you for the response,

Chris Smoove

[Victoireh]

Sounds like asthma to me. Cigarette smoke is a trigger for many asthmatics. And because you have constant exposure to the smoke, your airways are more reactive, which in turn affects your exercise. Exercise induced asthma is very common amongst many asthmatics.

One simple solution is to ask that your relative not smoke around you. Also I have found it helpful that many of my smoking relatives keep their smoking out doors. In door air quality is important.

You probably should see your doctor about your symptoms, so that you can get the right treatment. As I"m not a doctor, it is best left to your own family doctor to make a diagnosis in your situation. And yes, your exercise will improve once you've eliminated the cigarette smoke from your environment.