If a smoker has persistent cough and short of breath, what diagnosis would a doctor make?

Possibilities...: There are many possibilities but a common diagnosis made in a case like this is copd, an incurable, slowly progressive disease. Other possibilities include asthma, malignancy, congestive heart failure and a whole host of other disorders. The only way to know for sure what is wrong is to see a doctor. Shortness of breath can be life-threatening so don't delay. Smoking cessation will be necessary!