Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone has constant throat clearing months after quitting? I feel like my throat is always full of mucus. I also still get light chest discomfort infrequently.

[pauliebob]

I’m 41 years old and smoked a pack or less a day for 23 years. I quit the first time in March of 2020 and spent most of this year quitting and starting again and again until i quit for good October 16 2020. The throat clearing started when I quit the first time in March and has been with me ever since. I’ve had Pulmonary Function Tests, Xrays, CT scans, Sinus surgery(which blew up when I quit in March as well) and been to pulmonologists, ENT’s, etc. No one seems to be able to find the problem. I quit in March after my whole house had a bad bout of a chest cold. It’s taken over my life and has given me extreme anxiety. Has anyone else experienced this and how long did it last?

[freeneasy]

Yes,I remember that I had that issue. It lasted for quite a while and I asked my Dr. about it during a physical exam and he did not seemed concerned about it. It has since stopped, but honestly I can’t remember timeframes-I stopped smoking almost 8 years ago. I don’t mean to downplay this issue to you and if you’re not having any improvement or it seems like it’s getting worse you should contact your medical provider. Congratulations on your quit and stick with it. It’s the best thing you have ever done for yourself!

[indingrl]

SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU

[YoungAtHeart]

You really are still in the first two months and a bit  of your final quit, so your body IS still adjusting - and it may be just that.  If you were stopping but starting again, your body never really had time to do that thoroughly.  You might just need to give it a bit more time.

Also wondering if you have checked with an allergist of an g.Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat Specialist?  If not, that would be my next idea....but I would relax and give it a bit more time first.  Lots of physical adjustments are taking place as your body gets used to life without the drug.

Glad you are here!!!

Nancy

[indingrl]

Thanks for sharing and water with lemon HELPS sooth the throat - just sharing

[elvan]

I have been quit for almost 7 years and I still get that mucousy throat thing sometimes, not as often as at the beginning but it does still happen.  I find taking a shot of pure lemon juice cuts through the mucous.  I do have a multitude of allergies and I also have COPD so the mucous thing is not really a huge deal for me.  It IS an annoyance, for sure.  The intermittent chest pain is most likely your body trying to adjust to the withdrawal of all of those chemicals.  I commend you for quitting while you are so young.  You have done yourself a HUGE favor.

If you do not feel better or if you feel worse, I agree with YoungAtHeart‌ that an ENT would be the next step but I don't see that as being urgent.

Welcome to EX.

Ellen

[RoseH]

No I don’t have to clear my throat, but this is a great time to have trouble with your sinuses...  If it continues you may want to see your doctor for his diagnosis...  You don’t want to get them infected...

[sweetplt]

Hi and Welcome to Ex’s....pauliebob I didn’t have clearing of my throat...my husband never smoked and he forever clears his throat and usually it means he needs an allergy pill to dry up the mucous...however, we are not medical Doctors so hard to tell what is going on with your clearing of your throat...~ Collee 

[Barbscloud]

It is common to produce mucous from your lungs when you quit because  your lungs are healing.  It causes many people to cough but I read some articles  on people needing to clear their throat.  I'd tell you to see doctor if it doesn't improve, but it appears you've seen everybody already.  From what I read, it can last for a good while.  Of course it could be allergies.

Big congrats on your quit!

I hope this improves for you.    

Barb

[Thesegoto11]

Sometimes alcohol can produce that effect.