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Respiratory
Question
I quit smoking six weeks ago, but now I'm coughing a lot, which didn't happen when I was smoking. What's going on?
Anonymous (Male, 35)
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Answers
from Richard D. Hurt, M.D.
Although it's not common, some people find that they seem to cough more than normal soon after they stop smoking. The cough is usually temporary and may actually be a sign that your body is healing.
Why some people seem to cough more soon after quitting smoking isn't clear. One explanation is that as the lungs heal, the microscopic hairs lining them — called cilia — begin working again. As the cilia attempt to clear out the inhaled particles, it can lead to coughing. This coughing may last as long as a couple of months, until the cilia are fully recovered. To relieve coughing in the meantime, try sipping water or sucking on cough drops.
If coughing persists for more than eight weeks or if coughing brings up sputum or blood or disturbs your sleep, see your doctor to check for a more serious cause of your coughing.
Although it's not common, some people find that they seem to cough more than normal soon after they stop smoking. The cough is usually temporary and may actually be a sign that your body is healing.
Why some people seem to cough more soon after quitting smoking isn't clear. One explanation is that as the lungs heal, the microscopic hairs lining them — called cilia — begin working again. As the cilia attempt to clear out the inhaled particles, it can lead to coughing. This coughing may last as long as a couple of months, until the cilia are fully recovered. To relieve coughing in the meantime, try sipping water or sucking on cough drops.
If coughing persists for more than eight weeks or if coughing brings up sputum or blood or disturbs your sleep, see your doctor to check for a more serious cause of your coughing.
Click here to view the full reply on Mayo Clinic.
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Congratulations on your wise decision of quitting smoking. The cough that you are experiencing is just a temporary phenomenon.
Try these home remedies -
Chew two leaves of Holy Basil two times a day
Drink an herbal tea of ginger with a little sugar added to it.
Consult your doctor if cough does not go away even after 1-2 weeks.
Disclaimer: Replies and Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on the opinions or information posted on this page. ALWAYS check with your personal physician or health care provider before taking any action regarding your health! MDinfo and our sponsors, partners, and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any replies or comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MDinfo does not endorse the views of any user of this site.
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