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
A good day to you and your family. I started smoking at the age of 19 and 2 weeks ago, I quit smoking in cold turkey at the age of 34. 15 years of smoking doesn't help me at all. Right now, I have an elevated Blood Pressure which I believe is related to smoking and every day I expel grayish or black phlegm. But the good thing is I seldom cough right now. I have also an excruciating back pain before, but now its beginning to subside. My question is do you think that it is related to the withdrawal syndrome? At least I have a step forward in stopping this disgusting habit. Thanks in advance Dr. Dean and more power to you!!
Bobby
Answer Dear Bobby,
Greetings to the Philippines!
Congratulations on quitting and hang in there. As you can imagine your body has a lot of recovering to do after smoking for so long.
I suggest you read "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and you might find it useful.
The back pain could have been from stress. Things should get better each day. 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. Try some herbal tea or some cough drops. If it doesn't go away in a few more weeks you should probably see a doctor.
