AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 4/18/2008 Subject: Quitting Smoking
Question I quit smoking a month and a half back. That time I misunderstood the withdrawal symptoms to be something serious and my anxiety and depression increased drastically. After two weeks of quitting I was admitted on account of shortage of breath. AFter recovring in about a couple of weeks, I was diagnosed with infection in lungs and I am taking antibiotics. I started to throw out black phlegm. My friends say that is the lungs cleaning. I still feel something blocks my throat. I have got Chext X Ray, CT, Bronshoscopy , Upper GI endoscopy, Barium Swallow. All normal. Doc says it might be anxiety. I also get excessive salivation and occasional twitches in the muscles. Garglig helps and also exercising. Are these withdrawal symptoms. How long will they last. I have taken too many antibiotics.
I believe my excess salive blocks my throat. Waiting for your response. I am 28 years old and have been smoking for 10 years about 4 or 5 a day
Answer Dear Peeyush,
That is wnderful that you have quit. I am sorry to hear that you have had so much trouble. I think the infection is unrelated to quitting and if the antibiotics clear that up you should feel better.
The healng process is different for each person. But you will be better in time. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Zyban/bupropion for anxiety helps some smokers recover. Did a doctor suggest that?
