Emphysema at 32?

[mpongo]

Hi, I'm a 32 years old male. I felt shortness of breath 4 weeks ago, and quit smoking since then. I went to ER first and doctor said anxiety migth be the cause.

Few days later I've seen another doctor (a very good pulmonary specialist) to make sure. He checked my chest x-ray (taken at ER previously), said there's nothing serious to worry about, advised me to quit smoking and mentioned 'a start or beginning emphysema' (don't remember the exact words).

I still feel a little shortness of breath, especially at nights. I've read on forums, that this also happens to many people as a result of quitting smoking (along with some other withdrawal symptoms).

The thing is I don't feel shortness of breath at all when I exercise or walk/run outside. Contrary I feel a lot better if I exercise when I feel SOB. It's getting better and better each day from the time I quit 4 weeks ago.

[mpongo]

Yes that's interesting really. Maybe my current SOB is not related to my Emphysema at all.

Of course I do feel hard to breathe when I do 'heavy exercise' but everybody would and it passes quickly. With moderate to light exercises my breathing is OK.

Anyway it's been around 35 days since quitting smoking.

For about 5 days, I didn't feel the SOB as I did before. I sometimes feel a very light SOB or more like I'm feeling my 'lungs' inside (but no pain).

I sleep much better, go out for long, fast paced walks everyday.

For 2 days though I have dizziness. It could be due to smoking withdrawal, I hope it passes soon because I want to start cycling as quickly as possible.

[allmymarbles]

If you don't have shortness of breath when you exercise, but do, when you don't exercise, I don't see how this can be emphysema. It makes no sense.

[mpongo]

Dizziness gone today, as well as the shortness of breath for the most part. I think I made it!

[mpongo]

I really appreciate the support Pete.

I had a strange feeling in my lungs now, not pain but as if I got cold (which could really happen as I walked a lot outside) I feel like 'my lungs are there'.

Still dizziness coming and going, with a little SOB (lighter and different than before).

I'm worried about these which makes me nervous and anxious. I'm listening to myself/my body a lot lately, which I normally don't.

There is no way I'll smoke again for sure. Not that I hate it, but I cannot stand to get these all over again.

It's late here and will try to sleep now.

[pete3867]

dude, yer gonna be fine , but ffs never smoke again

[mpongo]

I smoked a pack a day since high school. My heart rate right at this moment is 68.

I hope this dizziness is gone soon because I want to start cycling in a few days.