I am having trouble breathing specially laid down, the center of my chest hurts and sometimes my ribs and/or the center of my back (at times it does depend of the position). I feel like a ball of dry mucus is stuck in my chest all day and night, I am bearly couching amd when I do I barely spectorate (the mucus comes out transparent). I have asthma and used to smoke 3 cigarettes a day for 2 to 3 years and then after that 3 cigarettes every 3-5 months for about 1 and a half years. What could I have? I fear lung cancer.... is it possible
Hello dear, thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Smoking can worsen asthma. Smoking also cause HERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). And HERD can cause chest tightness and burning chest pain. It also causes worsening of asthma. So your symptoms are mostly due to smoking induced HERD. So quit smoking as soon as possible. Get done chest x-ray to rule out lung cancer. Possibility of lung cancer is less in your case. Better control of HERD is needed for symptomatic relief. You need following lifestyle modifications. 1. Avoid hot and spicy food. 2. Avoid stress and tension. 3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals. 4. Start Proton pump inhibitors. 5. Go for walk after meals. 6. Keep 2 - 3 pillows under head in bed to prevent reflux. Don't worry, you will be alright. But quit smoking as soon as possible.