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Don't smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.

See a health care professional right away for:

• Sudden and severe shortness of breath.
• A fast heartbeat.
• A cough that won't go away.
• Swollen, achy body parts, which could signal fluid retention.

Make an appointment if there is:

• Shortness of breath at rest or after light activity.
• Shortness of breath that doesn't get better quickly after activity.
• Shortness of breath or a sense of choking when waking up.