Should i be coughing after quitting smoking

As a result, the body attempts to remove the substances through coughing. However, initially the cough may persist or increase after quitting — usually for up to 3 months but in some cases for much longer — as the body clears out the build-up of toxins from the airways. Coughing helps to remove toxins from the lungs so suppressing the cough is not usually helpful.

The likelihood of developing one or more complications depends on how frequently someone smokes, the severity of their cough, and their overall health status. Damage to the cilia may lead to a build-up of chemicals in the lungs and airways, which can play a role in the development of:. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes — the tubes connecting the lungs to the nose and mouth. Symptoms include breathing difficulties due to a reduced capacity to carry air, and phlegm in the airways.

In , 9. Smoking is the most common cause of this condition. COPD is a progressive disease characterized by difficulty breathing. The term COPD includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Symptoms include cough, phlegm, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. A form of COPD caused by damage to the alveoli — the air sacs in the lungs. As a result, the body struggles to get the oxygen it requires. Symptoms include breathing difficulties and chronic cough. Learn how it works, who it helps, and where to get one. Belly or abdominal breathing offers a number of benefits for health and well-being.

The goal is to drain the fluid and make it easier for you to…. Popcorn lung is caused by exposure to toxic chemicals found in microwaveable popcorn factories and e-cigarettes.

Symptoms include flu-like illness…. A pulmonologist is a doctor who focuses on the respiratory system. Discover the conditions they treat such as COPD , exams they conduct, and much…. Pleural effusion, also called water on the lung, happens when fluid builds up between your lungs and chest cavity.

Learn why this happens and how to…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Causes Treatment Duration Cancer risk Complications When to see doctor Outlook Overview When you smoke anything, such as cigarettes, cigars, and vaporizers, you inhale many chemical ingredients.

Treatment options. When to see your doctor. Read this next. Do I Have a Chronic Cough? Symptoms, Treatment, and More. Request Appointment. Healthy Lifestyle Quit smoking. Products and services. I quit smoking a few weeks ago and now I'm coughing a lot. That didn't happen when I was smoking. What's going on? Answer From J. Taylor Hays, M. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again.

Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Rigotti NA. Benefits and consequences of smoking cessation. The cough is usually temporary and might actually be a sign that your body is starting to heal. Tobacco smoke slows the normal movement of the tiny hairs cilia that move mucus out of your lungs. When you stop smoking, the cilia become active again.

As the cilia recover and the mucus is cleared from your lungs, you might cough more than usual.