I started smoking about a month ago but I only smoke maybe two packs a week. Recently my chest feels tight and I cant take a good deep breath without pain. Ive cut down because Im trying to quit. Is this normal? Will my breathing return to normal or is that the new normal?
Hello dear, thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, cigarette smoking is the cause for your symptoms. Cigarette smoke actually causes irritation, inflammation in the airways. These cause edema and mucus production.  So congestion is due to edema. It also causes bronchospasm, so breathing difficulty is felt. It also damages respiratory epithelium and make it prone for infection. So chances of lung infection are high in smokers. Since you have started smoking only before 1 month, no need to worry about permanent lung damage. And yes, this can be cured with bronchodilators and antihistamine Chat Doctor.  But you need to quit smoking as soon as possible.