Few days before I have quit smoking now every morning I am suffering from severe cough and a little bit breathlessness. That is too irritating for me what should I do.

Question

Hi lybrate-user, congratulations on quitting smoking. Cough and breathlessness are commonly reported by all smokers who quit. Typically, the cough is because the lungs are clearing out, and the breathlessness is due to anxiety (which happens in the initial weeks of quitting smoking or any substance). Doing activities for relaxation or using mindfulness (you can read about this online) is generally helpful in reducing anxiety. However, it is absolutely essential that you make an appointment with a physician to make sure that the cough and breathlessness is not caused by something else. A general physician will be able to help you. Take care.

Kriti Jain · Accepted Answer

Hi lybrate-user, congratulations on quitting smoking. Cough and breathlessness are commonly reported by all smokers who quit. Typically, the cough is because the lungs are clearing out, and the breathlessness is due to anxiety (which happens in the initial weeks of quitting smoking or any substance). Doing activities for relaxation or using mindfulness (you can read about this online) is generally helpful in reducing anxiety. However, it is absolutely essential that you make an appointment with a physician to make sure that the cough and breathlessness is not caused by something else. A general physician will be able to help you. Take care.