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Coughing after quitting smoking: What's the deal?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/quit-smoking/AN01787
- With Mayo Clinic internist and director of the Nicotine Dependence Center
Richard D. Hurt, M.D.
Quit-smoking basics (4)
- Hookah smoking: Is it safer than cigarettes?
- Electronic cigarettes: A safe way to light up?
- Smoking: Does it cause wrinkles?
- see all in Quit-smoking basics
Living smoke-free (3)
- Coughing after quitting smoking: What's the deal?
- Quit smoking, gain weight: Is it inevitable?
- Thirdhand smoke: What are the dangers to nonsmokers?
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Question
Coughing after quitting smoking: What's the deal?
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 seem to cough more than usual soon after stopping smoking. The cough is usually temporary and might actually be a sign that your body is starting to heal.
Tobacco smoke slows the normal movement of the microscopic hairs (cilia) that line your lungs. When you stop smoking, the cilia become active again. As the cilia recover and the mucus is cleared from your lungs, you might cough more than usual — perhaps for several weeks.
In the meantime, you can speed the process by staying well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and juice. You might also increase the humidity in the air with a humidifier or vaporizer.
Consult your doctor if the coughing lasts more than a month or you cough blood.
Next questionQuit smoking, gain weight: Is it inevitable?
- Rigotti NA, et al. Benefits and risks of smoking cessation. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 19, 2012.
- Warner DO, et al. Cough following initiation of smoking abstinence. Nicotine and Tobacco Research. 2007;9:1207.
- Gratziou C. Respiratory, cardiovascular and other physiological consequences of smoking cessation. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2009;25:535.
- Cough. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cough/cough_all.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2012.
- Silvestri RC, et al. Evaluation of subacute and chronic cough in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 19, 2012.
- Hurt RD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 2, 2013.
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