finds it hard to breath at night and does use an inhaler he does smoke but he now complains of a dull pain between his breast bone his tummy has got a bit large over the years his jobs involes a lot of sitting down he is a bus driver
2007-07-15 23:57:38 · 9 answers · asked by astra 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
he wont give up the smoke 20yrs i have known him
2007-07-16 00:06:36 · update #1
This is kind of a dejavu thing. I had all the symptoms you describe that your husband has. I used a inhaler, had the dull to sometimes intense pain between the breast bone. My stomach was (still is) pooched out. And I am disabled so I do sit allot. But I was a smoker for 37 years. I quit because I got deathly ill with pneumonia. And since I got better and have laid the cigs down. And you know what? Those chest pains have gone. I can breath better, and I can smell now. You can't make him quit. He has to want to quit first for himself, then for others. There is a new product that you can get from your health provider. It's called Chantix. It really helped me after I got better from being sick. Because when your a smoker, the first sign of recovering from being sick the mind tells the body, "let's light one up". And there you go, back in the habit. Smoking is the culprit of your hubby's problem (IMO) Check out this website. It will tell you how the chantix works. Good luck to you and him
2007-07-16 01:04:24 · answer #1 · answered by rich b 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though your husband should make an appointment for a thorough check-up at his doctor's surgery. This wouldn't be an ordinary appointment as it will take some time and will involve blood tests, etc., so he may have to pay, but it would be well worth it for peace of mind. He has several factors against him: he's a smoker, he has a stressful job, plus it's a sedentary job, and being on the road all day must mean he breaths in a lot of pollutants. The pain may well be nature's warning sign, so best not to ignore it. Good luck.
2007-07-16 00:09:16 · answer #2 · answered by uknative 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
I dont want to frighten you, but have you considered there to be something going on with his heart? When the heart is having problems it causes pain, which sometimes can feel like indigestion, or it can be a sharp searing pain, my point is, that chest pain can manifest it many ways, and no way is typical.
Also the fact that he is breathless at night can also show cardiac dysfunction. As the body tries to compensate for the heart not pumping enough oxygen around the body, it makes the person feel short of breath.
As for the large gut and smoking, both HUGE contributers of heart disease.
If you want my opinion id get him to the local ED dept, as if he is having cardiac problems, the sooner the start treatment, the less likelihood of permanent sideeffects.
Im a coronary care nurse, and so many of my patients either delayed or didnt know what was happening... seriously, go to you doctor even, and get some bloods and a 12 lead ECG at the minimum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-07-16 00:10:30 · answer #3 · answered by insane_blue_eyez 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Gastroesophageal reflux with or without a hiatal hernia sounds like a good possibility. It sounds as if your husband already has some COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and perhaps sleep apnea. Taking Tagamet or similar may relieve symptoms. But, as previous responders indicated, smoking, polluted environment, large abdominal girth, sedentary job will all take their toll.
As with so many situations in Medicine, it is easy to prescribe a pill to relieve symptoms. Motivating the patient to alter lifestyle is a different matter. Try to work on that.
2007-07-16 00:41:41 · answer #4 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have just described my husband! He is a bus driver also! Plus he smokes and complains of pain in his chest! His stomach has been swelled for a while now! But he's stubborn and can't get him to the doctors like he should! Sometimes he scares me to death at night with his breathing! But I just keep praying that he will quit smoking and see a doctor!
2007-07-16 00:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hello there,
Firstly he needs to get the all over check at the doctors.I know how worries you are..because my partner smokes and has recently been told he has to lose weight..he sits down most of the day too on his computer working.It is all down to lifestyle.If he is not going to stop smoking..you need to plan some exersise ijn the week..there are some lovley walks in the area,take up dancing.I know that being over weight and smoking is putting a higher risk of stroke,heart attack,diabeites etc..it goes on.fOR THE BREATHING..please put a few drops of Eculiptus oil on the pillows and he will sleep..but a doctor needs to look at him..it may be his body telling him to change habbits.
2007-07-16 00:13:43 · answer #6 · answered by janine s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem. After seeking medical advice I realized I had bronchitis and sleep apnea. I suggest seeking medical advice. To quit smoking is the hardest thing to do but I feel 100% better
2007-07-16 02:16:00 · answer #7 · answered by Dave L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As he thought about going to see the doctor? It could be a hiatus hernia- but i think he should see a doctor and think about giving up smoking.
2007-07-16 00:03:42 · answer #8 · answered by Ellie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
why oh why dosn't he see his doctor, why dont you make him an appointment at a time when you know you will both be available, and go with him to offer your support.
2007-07-16 00:06:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋