Quitting smoking is possibly one of the best things to do. It is like freeing yourself from a deathly trap. But most of us also know that it is also one of the most difficult things to do. There are many techniques and programs designed to help people quit, especially for those who need external help when giving up. In the long run, quitting smoking has its benefits, no doubt, but the initial days can be a bit difficult. The major effects are withdrawal symptoms that are experienced in varying degrees of intensity.
Quit smoking and shortness of breath — How are they related?
There are many who experience breathlessness and difficulty in breathing as soon as they quit smoking. This is one of the many withdrawal symptoms that are experienced. There could be a number of reasons for this phenomenon, both physiological and psychological.
The main reason for this symptom accompanied by “quitters’ cough” is the fact that your body is starting to react to the absence of cigarettes. This is the beginning of the healing process of your lungs after being subjected to toxins for years. This symptoms usually lasts for a few days, but could go on for even months, if you have been a smoker for long or been a heavy smoker.
Once you quit, the lungs slowly start clearing out the debris of toxins that has gotten accumulated due to nicotine and the tar and other particles that enter and remain in the lungs. The cilia or minute hair-like structures that sweep out all the pollutants from the air that is breathed in also start slowly growing back. They start removing these toxins from the lungs which are released by constant coughing along with shortness of breath due to the coughing.
Once all the toxins have been expelled, this incessant coughing slowly dies down and breathing returns to normal as well. This is an indication that the lungs are on the road to recovery and cleaned out all the toxic accumulation.
It should, therefore, be taken positively when these symptoms are experienced as it means that the body is slowly healing itself of all the harm caused by smoking. It is a very good sign as it means that it is still not too late to quit and you can lead a healthy life after the initial few days or weeks.
