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: 8/19/2007 Subject: Nervous
Question I quit smoking a week ago today! Yay! I've never tried to quit before but I was nervous health wise and decided to see if I could quit. Well now its been a week cold turkey. Yes its been hard but I really want to quit. I understand I am an addict. I am mad at the cigarettes, and keep saying they will NOT take over me. I am done with them!
I am 21 years old and smoked about 6 years. A pack a day for the past 3 years or so. Now I've been nervous becuase I dont want lung cancer. I have small pains in my lungs the past couple of days. Everyone is telling me it is my lungs healing. Quitting has given me aweful anxiety so I keep thinking Im dying or someting lol. But Im sure Im not. The other thing is I have no interest in food. I know most people eat alot when they quit and Im over weight so I assumed I would be that way too. Is there something wrong or could it just be anxiety that makes my stomach not feel great. i also am not coughing. Everyone said I would cough and spit stuff up. If theres not as much damage do you not cough when you quit?
Answer Dear Amber,
Congratulations on making the very wise decision to quit.
It is very unlikely that the pains in your lung are cancer, especially at your age. But I would see a doctor and have an exam. You might also ask the doctor about prescribed bupropion (Zyban). This is a drug originally developed for anxiety that helps relieve nicotine cravings and eases withdrawal in many quitters.
Your loss of appetite is probably related to the anxiety. Not everyone coughs after quitting. It depends on how long you smoked and each person is different. A doctor can give you a lung function and blood oxygen test to see how well your lungs are working.
If you relapse try again and consider getting Chantix, a new drug that blocks the action of nicotine.
You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW toll free and get information on resources in your state. Some states have a toll free quit line that may be useful and/or pay for quitting medications.
You are doing the right thing. Start eating healthier things, increase your exercise and enjoy your new energy and health. Use a bit of your new extra money to buy "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.
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
