Coughing Question - Smoking Cessation Message Board

beetammy · 06-18-2003, 06:12 PM

Today is 2 weeks since I quit and I haven't started coughing? Shouldn't I be hacking up a storm? I was a fairly heavy smoker (2 packs a day). Everything I have read on the web says I should be coughing too.

By the way, I FEEL WONDERFUL.

Deb47 · 06-20-2003, 05:09 PM

Your coughing since you quit smoking just tells you how bad cigarettes are for your lungs. I think people just get so used to smoking, they don't realise the damage they're doing to their lungs. If you can stay smoke free, there's a good chance your lungs will clear out and heal up. Good luck, and stay smoke free! Deb

Deb47 · 06-20-2003, 05:14 PM

I tried to erase my prior post. I read your post wrong; I'm sorry about that! I thought you said you were coughing up a storm since you quit smoking. I don't know why people don't cough all lot, after quitting smoking. I didn't do much coughing either. I know; its more comforting to think we're coughing up the sledge fom cigarettes...oh well; can't win them all! Deb

lidia09 · 06-21-2003, 10:25 AM

Hi Tammy
I gave up about 5 years ago, after smoking 20+ years. I think it was about 2 weeks after I stopped that I started coughing & I coughed for around 2 weeks - revolting!! I think what happens is that the little hair-like thingys which help do the filtering & mucous moving, get flattened when you smoke. Maybe because you smoked for 29 years it'll take longer for the hair-like thingys to start moving the mucous out. Just my theory & not very technical

If you escape without the coughing phase I have to tell you that you're very lucky. I found that part the worst bit of all.
Good luck & congratulations on giving up

Lidia