Hi Yaaseen,

I congratulate you on your effort to stop smoking. It takes strong determination to break such an addictive activity as smoking. Your lung begins to heal within the same day you stop. Your lung has been accustomed to defending itself against the horrible toxins associated with tobacco exposure for the last several years. The lining of the airways in your lungs are adapting to the continuous influx of clean air. This is a transition process your lungs must go through. It may last from a few to several weeks but it eventually stops.

I have assisted my patients through this process by having them take Mucinex DM (over the counter) as needed, drink more water and take 25-50mg of Benadryl at bedtime (I caution them about drowsiness and fatigue that may be associated with Benadryl). The Benadryl helps to dry up secretions that may be more bothersome at night.

My patients feel more assured about this transition period of increased postnasal drip, cough and throat clearing, when they know it will stop at some point.

Sometimes acute bronchitis or sinusitis may complicate smoking related respiratory problems, even after quitting. An appropriate history and physical exam may reveal the need for an antibiotic. The history of years of smoking places you at higher risk to develop a respiratory infection.

My recommendation is to consult your doctor. As I stated, increased cough is common for weeks after smoking cessation. But there are things you can do to help yourself. First you should get evaluated to rule out other possible causes.

Again, I salute you in taking a giant leap towards better health!

Yours,

J. Thompson, MD.