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 My wife quit smoking 5 weeks ago (cold turkey) and used the patch to help her quit up until 16 days ago. She use to smoke 6-12 Cigs/Day for the past 12 years. Since she has quit, her sleep not only has been disturbed, but she wakes up gasping for air during her sleep, talks in her sleep, and is a much lighter sleeper overall. She does have a minor mitral valve prolapse also and has slight anxiety at times. These symptoms are very scary and they are causing us both to have sleepless nights. Are these symptoms typical, primarily the gasping for air while sleeping, or do you think we should get them checked out asap. Taking into consideration that she has been completely free of nicotine for the past 16 days and her current symptoms, is this something that should be given immediate attention or a typical symptom that will pass over the course of the next few weeks. Thank you for your help and attention on this matter.
Answer Ray,
That is great that she quit. I think she should be examined by a doctor. It can take some time for the body to heal. She is passed the period of physical withdrawal from nicotine. But if she wakes up gasping for air, that is cause for concern. How old is she? Does she have a history of asthma or other lung problems?
Let me know what you find out, please.
Best of luck,
Michael
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
