0K Just read this on another forum. (The comment at the bottom is soo true)
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Like many contributors on this forum, I too am relieved to hear others have similar symptoms. But I ask you all not to panic. Here is my situation:
I am a 30 year old male in reasonable shape (exercise 3 times per week), who gave up smoking about 8 weeks ago. I had been smoking an average of 6 per day, for about 10 years, but always kept active in sports. I quit using the natural 'cold turkey' method, which worked very well for me. After about 4 - 5 days, the actual nicotine cravings disappeared... then it was just a case of getting my head in the right frame of mind to defeat those tough 'associations' one inevitably develops over time i.e. When having a beer, having a coffee, after a big meal etc.
I haven't looked back since and am already reaping the rewards, however since giving up, I have experienced the following symptoms:
- Within 2 weeks of quitting: a mild, productive cough producing brown/green phlegm.
- Then all fine for 3 weeks, until a nasty cough/cold, producing similar brown/green phlegm and damaged tissue. (Unusual I thought, given that I consider myself unlucky to get a cold twice a year, let alone twice within a month).
- Then no problems for a couple of weeks until now where I have a very sore throat, endless coughing up of the same stuff, this mucus in my nose and ear canal which has unsurprisingly lead to a nasty, sound distorting earache.
Am I enjoying these symptoms? No... Am I worried? NO!!
BECAUSE: I genuinely believe it is just the body cleansing itself. Of course the lungs are the primary organ that takes the main hit from smoking, but as you inhale the smoke, it also goes up into the back of your nose and into the ear canals. It is therefore totally feasible that these areas require a little longer to clear. Afterall, it is interesting, that most people on here who complain of similar symptoms, say that they happen some weeks after quitting - like with me.
I'm not a medical professional but because I have no actual 'fever' with these symptoms (apart from possibly a very mild temperature increase on the first day when they come on), that would - I'm guessing - rule out it being common cold/mild flu. Also, I think the point the nurse made is a valid one regarding becoming more susceptible to things in the air, such as pollen, free radicals. At work I sit under an aircon vent, and I had initially blamed that. However maybe for the first time, my respiratory system is having to get used to it without tar induced mucus on tap to 'protect' it?
So please don't lose hope. Despite the rubbish symptoms, I feel like superman with my new lungs. I'm sleeping deeper and easier, I can run further with less effort, walk the stairs without any tightness, the list goes on.
Oh and a final thought... to be honest, we have all abused our bodies for years with this crap so perhaps these symptoms - whilst very unpleasant - are an appropriate penance!
Cheers.
I think you will find that if you bring your 
