Is there something wrong with my lungs or is it all part of the healing process? I’m scared.

[bbri]

Unfortunately, I vaped nicotine and thc cartridges for two years constantly. Around 5 months ago I noticed some shortness of breath and decided to quit. Since then, I have felt more worse then better. I am very worried there is something wrong. I feel a constant tightness in my chest and lungs, and my airways feel slightly obstructed. I can workout fine, so I am getting enough oxygen. I am just worried I have “something” and it is getting worse. Since quitting my lungs have felt worse. My left lung especially can produce a loud vibrating wheeze when breathing out a certain way. Help!

[wheezyof]

Hello and welcome.

We can't diagnose for you

However, we can offer hints, tips and advice.

Firstly, if you have something wrong or not your breathing will be harder if you are worrying and tense.

So the best thing you can do is find out for sure. If all is clear fine - relax.

If there is something - the sooner you get proper medical help the better.

Call your GP and ask for help or contact The British Lung Foundation tel [phone] or blf.org.uk.

Meanwhile all us 'lungies' will tell you well done for quitting. Smoking, vaping, pollution of any kind is not good for lungs.

Aim for :-

A good balanced diet, based on fresh non processed food (but don't beat yourself up for the odd burger/hot dog/cream cake)

Plenty to drink, water, fruit juice, decaff tea/coffee (decaff helps your fluid levels).

Exercise, not pounding round marathon routes or hours in a gym - any exercise you enjoy at a level you can manage. Going for a walk, dance, you choose. If you can't do a lot then do a little at a time.

Wishing you well

[Troilus]

Hi there. Well done on giving up. It might be a good idea to chat with your GP and just tell him what you have said here. I think this will put your mind at rest. Chances are it is just your lungs clearing.

I was a smoker. I developed a bit of a cough one summer and stopped, thinking the worst. I occasionally got a bit breathless, but I didn’t want to consult my GP. ( I didn’t want to admit to self inflicted injuries, I suppose!)

Anyway, I left it.

Then I had a massive, life threatening asthma attack.

Shame I didn’t go earlier. I could have saved my self the anxiety and got treatment earlier.

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying you have asthma. I am just using my experience to illustrate the fact that often a 10 minute consultation with a GP is the best course of action.

[peege]

Do please speak to your gp. You've described the symptoms of a chest infection or Corona virus.

[Bkin]

Congratulations on quitting.

The obvious would be to make a telephone appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

Best wishes

[Caspiana]

Hello bbri , 👋

I have often read people saying they feel worse quitting 🚬. It seems to be a common thing. I was not a smoker so it's hard for me to give any input into the matter, but I have heard it is very hard to quit. So congratulations to you. I would discuss this "something is not right" feeling with your doctor . They are the only ones who can sift through your symptoms and run the necessary tests to reach a diagnosis.

Sending best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🍀🐞

[Londongal]

Hi, I gave up smoking in 2016 and I do remember that I felt worse for about six months and took about a year for me to feel completely improved. However, please go and see your G.P. Hopefully all is well but you need to be checked out. Well done for giving up. Four years on I can tell you it is worth it!

All the best.x

[ninelives]

Well done for quitting.

As advised above do see your GP if it's something it will be picked up ,if nothing it will put your mind at rest.

Good Luck