AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Question Hi. I am 30 years old and a recent ex smoker. I used to smoke about 5-6 cigarettes a day for about 11-12 years. Recently i was diagnosed with sinus inflammation and my doc said it may become a chronic problem. He listened to my chest as i was coughing up mucus. He said it sounded fine and there was no wheezing etc
Now 2 weeks later i have no cough or wheezing but i am getting a burning feeling in my upper back around the right shoulder blade. It is like a slight burning and tingling feeling that comes and goes but is worse when i eat food especially something spicy and also when i cough to clear my throat it can occur too.
i do have GERD and i am off my medication to treat it as i am currently 7 weeks pregnant. at the moment in time i do have a lot of acid which i can feel refluxing into my mouth.
When i eat something it spicy it starts to burn in my upper back near my right shoulder blade.
Can spicy food make your lungs burn like that? As i am an ex smoker i am scared i amy have some serious lung disease. " weeks before the burning started 2 doctors listened to my chest and said it sounded clear. Please please advise.
Answer Dear S,
Since you have GERD, are pregnant, and this comes on with spicy food, I suspect it is a complication of your gastritis. I would lay off the spicy foods, and eat several small meals, rather than large ones.
Since doctors have said your chest is clear, it is unlikely to be some thing serious, but bring it up at our next OB checkup.
