What causes coughing with wheezing in smokers?

Generally, coughing with wheezing in smokers may be caused by smoke irritation, tobacco allergy, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, emphysema, or other reasons. Symptomatic treatment such as general care and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Smoke Irritation

Chemical substances in the smoke inhaled during smoking can directly irritate the respiratory tract, causing airway inflammation. Coughing caused by smoke irritation is usually dry and accompanied by difficulty breathing and chest tightness. It is recommended to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollutants in daily life, which can help alleviate airway inflammation and wheezing.

2. Tobacco Allergy

Some smokers may be allergic to components in tobacco. When these allergens are encountered again, they can cause airway smooth muscle contraction, mucosal edema, and increased secretions, leading to coughing and wheezing, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as throat burning sensation and generalized itching. It is recommended to use medications such as (omitted here for unspecified drugs) under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

3. Bronchitis

Long-term smoking can lead to airway inflammation and increased mucus secretion, resulting in bronchitis. This condition presents with coughing and wheezing, and patients often experience sputum production, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It is recommended to take medications such as azithromycin tablets, cefaclor tablets, and cefadroxil capsules under a doctor's supervision for treatment.

4. Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease caused by the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors. Irritating substances in smoke can trigger or worsen this inflammatory response, leading to airway spasms and mucosal edema, which cause coughing and wheezing, possibly accompanied by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and a sensation of throat constriction. It is recommended to use medications such as compound aminophylline tablets, diprophylline tablets, and doxofylline tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

5. Emphysema

Harmful substances in cigarette smoke damage the elasticity of the alveoli, causing overexpansion of the small air sacs, loss of normal function, impaired gas exchange, increased respiratory load, and resulting in coughing and wheezing, which may be accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. It is recommended to use medications such as Baji Granules, Tankejing Tablets, and expectorant and antitussive granules under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

It is also recommended to incorporate more lung-nourishing foods into the daily diet, such as pears and lily bulbs, which can be cooked into soups for consumption and may help alleviate symptoms.