I’m a 50yr 1/2 a pack a day smoker (smoked more when I was in my 20’s) and now former smoker for a week still finding it difficult to not smoke but trying. I’ve been diagnosed with Gerd, Barrett’s Esophagus and a 5cm. Hiatal Hernia. About 6 months ago I developed a wheeze when lying on my left side that would go away if I cleared my throat. I had a Covid in October and a cold/cough just a couple of weeks ago that ran through our family. Anyway I bought a peak flow meter just out of curiosity that measures PEF and FEV1 just to see my lung performance since quitting. The first day my PEF of 580-604 L/min. My FEV1 was 78%. I tried again and PEF is still within that range as is my FEV1. I still have that lingering cough which I haven’t had before the cold and some SOB could that be the cause of my below normal FEV1. I know that Peak Flow meters are not diagnostic but I’m blowing at 3.09 L which is 78% predicted. Is this cause for concern even though my PEF is 105% of predicted.
I had normal bloodwork, a normal chest X-ray PA & Lateral and normal abdominal CT, and a thyroid US which showed some enlarged nodules.
Written by
B0ugatsa
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Welcome to the forum. None of us are medically trained, so we can't comment on the significance of your findings. You need to talk to a doctor. The one thing everyone agrees on is that stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. Well done for starting- I hope you can keep it up. With luck some exsmokers will be along soon to tell you how they coped. Best wishes.
Quitting smoking is hard... but it's the best thing you can do for your health. I admit... it was not easy but I did it!! I quit 27 years ago after I was told that I had asthma and very , very early COPD . At that time all there was were the patches which did help take the edge off. Now... I cannot stand the smell of cigarettes even if someone is smoking outdoors. So please... keep up the good work. It will become easier each day!!🤙🏻😊
I quit at 49 after smoking 2 packs a day for 39 years. They still smell good to me but no desire to start again at all. Not big on slow suicide. EVERYTHING will improve. You'll see. Stick to it.
Well done. Gp sugeries have been keen to offer quit support. Worth asking them? There are also sopport websites and books. It is not easy but so necessary. Long term support and strategies for those moments of craving really help. Good luck!
Smoking undoubtedly can damage your lungs, but as to whether this will cause you any problems in later life, I believe, depends on your genes. So, did your parents have any problems if they smoked? It seems the colds that are circulating currently, take quite a while to get over. Anyway, keep off the fags. I managed to kick it 36 years ago with the help of a bad cold; if I lit up my pipe, I couldn't breath, so either nicotine or oxygen. So easy choice really. I don't know what the numbers you've quoted mean.
Neither of my parents smoked but dad passed away 2 years ago after suffering from a stroke due to Afib he was 77. Mom is 81 and still going strong. Both my grand dads smoked and lived one till 80 and the other till 86. Both were heavy smokers and both died of heart heart issues.
It's a lottery, isn't it. Some people smoke or do other supposedly damaging things and still live to a healthy old age. Others ...!Grrr ! How's it going?
I gave up at 60, using clear patches. I know it's the best thing to do but please don't expect instant health. Once the craving is gone the airways need to clear and it is then that you will find the extent of the damage done. Don't quit on quitting though.xx
Quitting smoking was hard but I succeeded. I started again following a divorce but then stopped 18 mos later. It has been the best thing for me. Unfortunately I was hospiitalised every year for approx 4 years with pneumonia and that has done the main damage to my lungs. Do watch out for any chest infection and see your GP if you feel its developing into anything worse.
Best decision you ever made! You CAN do this! Resist all urges, they pass. You are on your way to much better health. You have an unseen cheering squad! You’re going to feel improvement for sure.
well done you! There is a Quit forum on here which may be able to help.
If your device measures FEV then it must be a Spirometer, Peak Flow tube are usually for asthma and cost about £8 at the chemist's. I've got asthma, my peak flow is around 350 although when I was 50 it was probably about 600! ....you've quit in time to make a huge difference to your remaining years.
yes I bought it on Amazon to check my lung function after a long stint with post Covid issues. The I did the best thing…use doctor Google one positive thing is it made me quit
hi - well done you . I am an ex smoker too. After my mum died from COPD - all smoking related my brother said ‘ you’ve not stopped till you have the last one’. That worked for me and never smoked again. It’s hard but stick with it .now I can’t think I would ever want to smoke again.
A dear friend of mine couldn’t stop - I was with her in intensive care in Malaga’s hospital as she died last week.
Please please persevere and believe that you will get through the withdrawal - it’s hard but you can do it - and you will feel better for it.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
one positive thing is it made me quit 
asthma as chest tightness 
2 week cough with green phelm
Very breathless lying down
Any carers out there? Feeling overwhelmed.
