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Lately I've been experiencing a kind of heaviness in


Sent to Health Experts March 27, 2006 11:00 p.m.

Lately I've been experiencing a kind of heaviness in my lungs and throat, accompanied by occasional fatigue, though the fatigue may be due to stress or depression.

I have been smoking for about a year, but the amount I smoke varies greatly over different periods. I have had stretches where I smoked half a pack a day, but currently only about two packs a week. I know a lot of people that have been smoking much more heavily for much longer, who have no health issues yet. I'm not sure that it's related.

Could these things be related, and if they aren't what are some other possible causes?

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Female , Age: 18

Already Tried:
resting and hoping it goes away
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Answer
March 27, 2006 11:27 p.m. (27 minutes and 9 seconds later)
REPLIED Check Mark

You say your fatigue may be due to stress and/depression.

Setting the smoking aside for a moment I would suggest that you perhaps are suffering from what is know as Reflux.

Acid will back up from your stomach into your esophagus and cause what is know as acid reflux or gerd. Depression and stress as well as smoking add to the cause and symptoms. Other cause's such as certain foods and medications will also effect or cause reflux. Using a pillow to raise your body and back in a more upward position may help lesson the symptoms. Over the counter meds such anti-acid tabs or Mylanta, Maalox are a few.

Your very young to be smoking and have immediate health related problems but that may not always be the case. It normally takes a healthy person years to develop COPD or smoking related problems unless pre-existing respiratory conditions exist. I would slow down on the smoking for awhile and see if things get better. It may be that with your stress level the smoking has induced the acid reflux.

If on the other hand if things do not get better within a few days time I would consult with a family doctor for examination.

I have attached a link for Acid Reflux and it's symptoms and medications to take.

http://www.diagnosishealth.com/gerd.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page3.htm

If this has answered your question please accept and continue to leave feedback. If you require further help please reply.

regards.



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Picture4ren6  -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 802 Health Accepts
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Reply to 4ren6
Sent March 27, 2006 11:41 p.m. (14 minutes and 42 seconds later)

I very much doubt it's acid reflux. I experience no burning, and the "heavy" sensation is more in my lungs than my throat. Acid reflux has nothing to do with lungs.

Also, if it helps, it has been several days already since this feeling started.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 28, 2006 7:10 a.m. (7 hours and 28 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

No it doesn't have anything to do with the lungs per se. However, the discomfort will go from your mid chest sternum area to the back spine thus making it feel as though your lungs are "heavy".

It is very likely then that the smoking your doing is in fact effecting your lungs and irritating your throat area. It would be my recommendation to stop smoking and consult with your family doctor.

If I may be of further assistance please just reply back. I will be glad to further assist you.



1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

Picture4ren6  -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 802 Health Accepts
Forensics Medical Forensics

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