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
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.
