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: 5/14/2008 Subject: New life side effects
Question Hi there, I have been a smoker for about 5 years, I'm 27 now and actually on
my 4th week free of cigarettes... Feeling great and extremely happy about the
strength I feel within this quit attempt. A few things are concerning me
however - I haven't yet begun to cough anything up, I am getting spots and
also cold sores around my mouth!?
Is this normal? I used to smoke around 15-20 a day and will NEVER be going
back to that old life, but wanted to know if this is all good?
I am drinking plenty of water, started taking a multivitamin, eating tons of
fresh fruit and veg a day...
Is there anything else I should be doing?
Any help would be appreciated.
Answer Dear Phil,
Congrats on quitting. That is fantastic. You sound very determined to stay quit, and that is the most important thing for success.
Not everyone coughs up stuff. It depends on many factors, so I would not worry about that. I would suggest ramping up your exercise. swimming is a great way to build back lung function.
I can't imagine that the cold sores are related and an over the counter topical should help. If the spots persist for long I would see a doctor.
I think you are doing everything right. Just try to keep out of situations that might lead you to egress would be the only other advice.
Good luck,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
