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About Michael 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
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Smoking Cessation > Quitting Smoking > smoking and heartburn
Expert: Michael Dean
Date: 9/3/2008
Subject: smoking and heartburn
Question
QUESTION: I have quit smoking now for 7 weeks. I have not used the patch or any nicotine gum. I actually had chantix up until 3 weeks ago. Since then I have not taken chantix nor have I smoked! I have been experiencing heartburn constantly and sometimes severe acid reflux when I am sleeping. I think I may be having indegestion too but I am not even sure what that is. All I know is that I have this horrible sympton that is to embarassing to tell you what it is. So I think it may be related to indigestion. I have been taking acid reducer everyday for 1 week and thank God, because I have had no heartburn since. If I forget to take it though I will start to get heartburn. Then I just take the pill and everything is o.k. I work with a woman that said she has the same problem since she quit smoking over 1 year ago. Her symptoms have never went away and she see's the doc on regular basis to get her perscrptions filled for the heartburn and indigestion. I am really scared now. Will I have this the rest of my life? I don't want to go to the doctor even more now!!
ANSWER: Dear Michele,
First congratulations on quitting! That is great!
I have heard of a few people getting heartburn upon quitting. Why did you stop the Chantix after only 4 weeks?
What acid reducer are you taking?
The symptoms should go away in a few weeks, if not you really should see a doctor. Do you feel under great stress after quitting?
You are doing the best thing for your health. Let me know how it goes and I will try to help.
Hang in there.
Michael
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you I am very proud of myself and thankful to Chantix! I stopped taking it for 3 reasons:
1. I no longer had the desire for a cigarette, they tasted horrible by the middle of my second week of taking Chantix.
2. If I could spare the $130.00 I would've needed for the next months supply, then I would. So I felt it safe to do so without relapsing!
3. My fourth week I started having horrifying vivid dreams of cutting myself. After all the stories I've heard about the side effects for Chantix, I decided that then would be a good time to stop taking the pill. It wasn't too dramatic like some people but I found it very scary and definitely not a common dream of mine. I knew enough to know that it wasn't normal.
I am taking an over the counter generic Acid Reducer.
I experience the regular stress that I normally have. The only difference is, that I can't run out to smoke to calm my nerves. It is a thought that comes across my mind when I really start stressing. It is only because for the last 14 years that is what I would've done. Then I remind myself I really don't want the cigarette, I just need to move on. I don't give it another thought!
I have tried many other ways to quit and never was I successful! I believed for the longest time that I would never be able to stop smoking! I still believed that when taking chantix. I started having hope the second week when I would light a cigarette and take one puff, then put it out. I originally smoked a pack a day. My last pack of cigarettes lasted me one whole week! And even then I never smoked the full cigarette and threw it out!
I am hanging in there rather well and I don't see me relapsing, EVER! I am actually looking forward to start an exercise program and really get healthy enough to run around with my 3 boys(4,6,and 8 yrs. old) without running out of breath or coughing up a lung!!!!
Thanks for your support and your advice, I really appreciate it!
Answer
Dear Michele,
I am glad to hear that the Chantix worked so well for you. That is great that you were able to go off it and not want to smoke again. You have 3 great reasons to stay quit and to live a long time.
If the over the counter acid reducer is working, I don't see a problem staying with that for the time being. Exercise, relaxation methods, yoga, prayer, and meditation are all good things to try to reduce stress. I would hope the indigestion would go away in a few more weeks or month. If not, a check up is called for.
Good luck and keep in touch,
Michael
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
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