- With Mayo Clinic internist and director of the Nicotine Dependence Center
Richard D. Hurt, M.D.
Quit-smoking basics (5)
- Electronic cigarettes: A safe way to light up?
- Smoking: Does it cause wrinkles?
- Third-hand smoke: What are the dangers to nonsmokers?
- see all in Quit-smoking basics
Living smoke-free (2)
- Quit smoking, gain weight: Is it inevitable?
- Why am I still coughing after I quit smoking?
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Question
Why am I still coughing after I quit smoking?
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?
Answer
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.
Next questionElectronic cigarettes: A safe way to light up?
- Warner DO, et al. Cough following initiation of smoking abstinence. Nicotine and Tobacco Research. 2007;11:1207.
- Gratziou C. Respiratory, cardiovascular and other physiological consequences of smoking cessation. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2009;25:535.
- Hurt RD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 29, 2009.
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