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
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 10/8/2007 Subject: Chantix and a possible side effect
Question Hi,
I have been smoke free for 6 weeks now. Thanks to this Chantix.
One problem though, that is really concerning me. A cronic scratchy throat!
I have been on the Chantex for 7 weeks now. I keep finding myself ....clearing my throat and my voice sounds a little hoarse. Especially at night, but most of the day. Just wondering if this is from the Chantix?
Has anyone else complained of this, as another (possible) side effect?
I just need to know that this scratchy throat in NORMAL and it is possibly from the Chantix and the fact that I'm no longer smoking....and nothing else!
Thanks so much.
Hope to here back on this concern.
Answer Dear Tom:
Congratulations on making it 7 weeks. I am glad to hear that Chantix is working, because I have been recommending it.
As you can imagine your body has a lot of recovering to do after smoking for so long. 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.
I don't see that throat irritation is a side effect of Chantix, I think it is your lungs healing and will go away over time.
Some suggestions for relief are:
Drink plenty of fluids; drink cold water, fruit juice, tea; use cough drops, gum or hard candy. I would also recommend building up an exercise program to speed the healing. Swimming as particularly useful as you put a lot of moisture back into the lungs.
I'd suggest giving 1-800-QUIT-NOW a call and seeing what quitting resources are available in your state, just in case you hit a rough patch down the road.
Good luck,
Michael Dean, Ph.D.
Author "Empty Cribs-The Impact of Smoking on Child Health"
http//www.artsciencepub.com
