Hi,

l have been a smoker for 10 long years (Smoking an average of 4-6 cigarettes daily). I am sure this long duration smoking would have done a significant damage to my lungs. l tried to quit many times, but was not successful. l quit few weeks back and hopefully this should be my last attempt. Some times l get a stabbing pain in chest, both on left and right side. But usually would go away, if l reduce or stop smoking for a while. But l wanted to have a medical diagnosis done to my lungs and respiratory system. But not sure what needs to be requested to the doctor. Is there any term to be used, for requesting the diagnosis.

THanks

just tell ur doctor about the pain as well as any cough or shortness of breath. he/she can take it from there. the doc can order a chest x-ray, pulmonary function (breathing) tests, as well as a stress test to check ur heart if he feels necessary. Always a good idea to quit smoking, & yes it is tough. (however, l found it so easy to quit that l quit about a hundred times) LOL. Seriously though, 4-6 cigs a day should not do too much damage (regardless of what the anti-tobacco people preach) unless u already had an underlying problem such as asthma.

Just tell your primary care doctor what you told us here. Explain that you would like to have your lungs checked for any smoking related damage/conditions. S/he will most likely sent you to a pumonologist (spelling l know, lol) who will do different testing to see if there is a problem or any diseases. Good luck!