What causes chest pain and shortness of breath while smoking?
Patient: when i was on my cigarette break, my chest begins to tighten. it's like there are heavy bricks on my chest. Then after that i have this shortness of breath. i can't breath in deeply. My chest became more heavier that i feel dizzy. I go straight to the hospital after my shift, my heart rate is normal. ECG is normal. What could this be? But the doctor advice me not quit smoking ASAP.  Is this an asthma attack? Even now i still have this heavy chest feeling. I'm really paranoid. I can't sleep. Please help. Thank you. Doctor: Hi welcome to the health care magic Here your work up apart from EKG done as follow..... (according to your complaint)... -Auscultation -Chest x ray -pulmonary function test -CBC This investigation will reveal COPD or any other restrictive lung disease if present According to cause specific treatment given If pulmonary fibrosis is the cause than steroid might prescribed If copd present than ipratropium bromide like inhaler therapy given Avoid smoking as it damage lung parenchyma by elastase release Take care Consult pulmonologoist for your examination and subsequent work up