HI Dr. Grief, I have bronchitis again. about 4 months ago I got bronchitis was losing my voice and I had a lung infection.What exactly is a lung infection never had one they took drastic measures got injection and strong pills I was 1 or 2 days from being hospitalized said I was almost getting pneumonia. How much does smoking play a role in this as I do smoke? Thank you for your time.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, smoking is the cause for all your symptoms. Smoking cause irritation and inflammation in the lung. It actually damages the epithelium and weaken the lung defense. So lung infections are very common in smokers. Smoking cause constant irritation In lungs. This will cause excess mucus production. This causes coughing and expectoration. So for you, smoking is the cause for all symptoms. Better to consult pulmonologist and get done1. Chest x-ray to rule out lung infection2. PUT (pulmonary function test) to rule out bronchitis. So quit smoking as soon as possible. It is not at all good habit. It will only harm you. Consult pulmonologist and start appropriate treatment.