Expert: Michael Dean - 7/3/2009

Question
Hello
I am 55 and have been smoking for nearly thirty years. I used to smoke 20 a day. I quit ten days ago which is the first attempt to quit ever. Two days after, I experienced mouth ulcers and I feel that I cannot breath especially in the morning. When I walk I gasp for breath. Is this a sign of something serious?

Answer
Hi Brica,

First of all it is great that you have quit. hang in there.

Are you on any medications to quit?

As you can imagine your body has a lot of recovering to do after smoking for so long.

A cough after quitting is quite normal, and some respiratory difficulty. One of the first things that happens is that the cilia in your lungs grow back. These are the small hairs that line your lung and sweep out debris. But your symptoms different.

If it doesn't pass in a week, please see a doctor. It is a good idea to get a checkup and to have an exercise program planned out.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free advice. Or for online resources:
http://smokefree.gov/

I have a site with info as well:
http://artsciencepub.com/quitting.htm

Let me know how this goes,

Good luck,

Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com