9 months ago I complained to my doc that I had congestion. Went to ENT right nostril closed deviated septum. Would notice nose bleeds sporadically no special season, my throat would dry up when I was professionally speaking and being a smoker always had phlegm.
Conclusion- was to much breathing through mouth because of right nostril closure and phlegm from back drip. Live with it or have surgery.
Three times in nine months went up our house stairs, very step stairs- old home and had to catch my breath to speak. I had 2 instances where I woke up in the morning and my first inhale sounded like rice crispy treats in my lungs (almost jumped out of my skin)-that sucked. Otherwise, never out of breath.
Next had to ask my doc for an xray still felt something or Health Anxiety either or. Doc said, given the symptoms your are experiencing (excessive throat clearing/phelgm, atypical chest pain, crackling sensation) I think the xray is extremely likely to be normal, but could help if further evaluation is needed.
Had xray heart and lungs look great doc say's. Three months later I have to ask for a COPD test or Lung Function Test. WHY? Because I bought a Peak Flow Meter and at age 43 Male it was telling me that my PEF was at 460 which is a 65 year old man and my peak flow gave a PEV1 number on this electronic device at 2.5. I thought- I'm not a doctor but - what is this? I had friends try it out and they were not smokers and their numbers were better than mine but not that much.
I finally had one today 9 months later. My FEV1 at 71%, my FVC at 89%, my ratio at 68%. They did give me a bronchodilator doc had it on order- waited 10 minutes and FEV1 went up 9% difference and FVC stayed the same.
My doc will call me tomorrow and now I'm online because lack of trust or urgency. IDK.
DAY 8 of non smoking TODAY- 27 years and will never go back. Maybe- it was fate I quit 8 days ago - something told me it was time.
Thanks for reading my story.