I am a 32 year old female in relatively good shape and health. I have common allergies (mold, dust, ragweed, animal dander) that I receive shots for every week. I live in the southeastern United States where the pollen count is high right now. No health issues, including current illness or diseases. I quit smoking 3 months ago after smoking for 17 years. I have been a runner for the past 4 years, but now when I run I have a difficult time breathing. Even 24 hours after running, it is difficult to breathe. What is going on with my lungs? Why was it easier to breathe when I was a smoker?
Hello, Allergies are known to increase in intensity overtime if exposure to the allergen continues. Smoking is also an irritant and decreases the capacity of the lung over time. If you quit smoking, it is always helpful. It not only prevents further damage to your lungs and heart, but slowly they recover as well, but the absolute amount of recovery depends on the amount of initial damage. In your case, in my opinion, you shouldn't link your cessation of smoking with breathlessness; it's always the opposite. Focusing back on your allergy, If I was your physician, I would like to get you examine the status of your lungs as well as test your allergies to make sure you haven't developed a new one or that the other ones are in check. It would also be advisable to start an anti-allergic like Desloratidine 10 mg daily and Montelukast sodium 10 mg daily in this season, until pollen counts are below safe levels. I hope it's helpful. Thank you.