I am a 24 year old female, I had pneumonia six months back. but the shadow on my x-ray is not completely gone and I had occasional chest pain. I have no fever or cough. But the chest pain has increased a lot since last two days. Is there something wrong again? I would like to mention that i also am a smoker. Is it affecting me?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, your smoking habit is the likely cause for this chest pain. Pneumonia causes inflammatory changes in lungs. So post infectious bronchitis is very common after pneumonia. And chances of bronchitis are even more when patient is an active smoker. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will need inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Smoking cessation should be done as soon as possible. Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.