Hello im a 48yr old female I smoke and over the last few weeks I cant seem to get enough air and so I cant sleep I have a cold but im like this 3wks out of the month as I have lupus and always get sick, my question is do you know why I cant get my breath its terrifying? Please
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion you should consult pulmonologist and get done1. Chest x ray2. PUT (pulmonary function test) To rule out bronchitis. You are having few risk factors for bronchitis. Like1. Smoking habit2. Lupus disease3. Cold (upper respiratory tract infection is the most common cause for bronchitis in smokers). So better to quit smoking and consult pulmonologist and first diagnose yourself. You may require inhaled bronchodilators too.PFT is must for diagnosis of bronchitis. It will also tell you about severity of the disease. And treatment is based on severity only. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Quit smoking as soon as possible.