Signs my body is healing...I think.

[mung]

Warning: this might be a little gross for some.

I've had chronic sinus/nasal problems for all of my life, most of it stemming from allergies to trees and pollen. So like any intelligent person, I picked up smoking as a hobby...just to make things even more interesting. Was a pack a day for around 8 years...I'm on day 8 as of right now. As per usual, I have been congested since Thanksgiving due to the rapid and uneven climate change that Atlanta is so fond of during it's winters. I'm fairly certain I have a sinus infection.

But starting about 4 days ago, I've been coughing/sneezing/spitting up the most dark, thick and foul looking mucus that I have even seen in my life! This has NEVER happened before. I attribute this to my quick and sudden picking up of ecigs...that my body now has a chance to rid itself of all the crap I smoked into it.

One nostril is still pretty much blocked, but the "good" one has been clear all the time now, with my sense of smell returning back gradually.

Anyone else experience this after quitting analogs?

 

[jj2]

Yep, it's happened. Some guy took a glob to his doctor---he didn't say anything, just showed it to him and the doc replied. "Finally quit smoking, didn't you."

It should go away, but if it don't, you might want to go see your doctor.

 

[hiram13pm]

Oh, yeah. I hacked up otherworldly gobs for awhile, though it started about 2 weeks after I totally switched over. If you don't *feel* sick, it's probably just your lungs clearing out the last of the tar and crap that's been building up in them over the years. You're at 8 days? Over the next 3 weeks, you're going to hack up some massive Keebler Lung Cookies (made by Elves!), and notice right afterwards that there's new lung capacity... you'll take a deep breath and just KEEP ON TAKING IT IN!!! It's awesome!

If you don't feel ill, I wouldn't worry about it. If you actually start feeling worse from day to day instead of better, you might want to ask your doctor... but this sounds like what I went through last spring. And that's a good thing.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Yup. Your body is healing and ridding itself of all the harmful crap deposited in your lungs from smoking. The reason you're coughing is because the cilia in your lungs are no longer paralyzed and they're working overtime to clear things out again. It happens to quite a few of us when we quit smoking. It happened to me, but it only lasted for a few days.

Make sure that you're drinking plenty of water. It will keep you hydrated and help with the healing process.

 

[mung]

Thanks for the input! Figured it was nothing but good news. Feeling great. Did manage to sneeze up one particular glob of a certain disgusting beauty and show it to my girlfriend. The look on her face was worth sleeping on the couch.

 

[dormouse]

Hi! Yes - my sinuses were pretty bad for the last decade - always either clogged or dripping. Within the first week of vaping that all cleared up. Pretty amazing.

 

[Rosa]

Man, I'm so jealous from hearing about this so often. I never got the lung cookie clean-out. Do you suppose that means it's all still in there, or does it mean I might have been one of those few who could have smoked into my 90's without ill effect? Been vaping for 11 months so I guess I've already passed that stage.

 

[steamhit]

Warning: this might be a little gross for some.

I've had chronic sinus/nasal problems for all of my life, most of it stemming from allergies to trees and pollen. So like any intelligent person, I picked up smoking as a hobby...just to make things even more interesting. Was a pack a day for around 8 years...I'm on day 8 as of right now. As per usual, I have been congested since Thanksgiving due to the rapid and uneven climate change that Atlanta is so fond of during it's winters. I'm fairly certain I have a sinus infection.

But starting about 4 days ago, I've been coughing/sneezing/spitting up the most dark, thick and foul looking mucus that I have even seen in my life! This has NEVER happened before. I attribute this to my quick and sudden picking up of ecigs...that my body now has a chance to rid itself of all the crap I smoked into it.

One nostril is still pretty much blocked, but the "good" one has been clear all the time now, with my sense of smell returning back gradually.

Anyone else experience this after quitting analogs?

its a good think, its called withdrawal syndrome hehehe i guess you know that term. But like hiram said it will clear out in a couple of days and if goes worst go ask for a physician.

 

[kabonk]

I never got that cleaning ether Rosa, hacked up little bits here and there but after 30 years of smoking I would think it would have been a lot more.

 

[Bradder]

Probably wasn't a good choice as a Valentine present, but I guess it is the thought that counts (sounds like she did't see it that way). Surprisingly many people, me included, who have really bad allergies/asthma are/were smokers. Welcome to the club.

Do be sure to drink lots of water which will help provide your body with fluid that will help clear the lungs and avoid dry (non-productive) coughing. Water vapor (hot shower, bath, covered head over warm steaming water, etc.) can also help, in that it brings up more stuff and will also help keep you from nose bleeds, throat irritation and the like. As others stated, if you start to feel bad or run a fever, you should see a doctor. Don't be surprised if you allergies come back with a vengeance for a little while. Lungs seem to like the coating as it keeps away the allergens - so they will revolt. this, too, shall pass - figuratively and literally .

Welcome and keep us posted. Best of luck.

 

[Numevexo]

Definitely a better sense of taste and smell.

 

[OMG!]

I'm a month in and still hacking up brown flecks. Not as often, or as much, but there nevertheless.

Nothing to do with your recovery, but when my nose is blocked Breath Rite strips are made in heaven. Pop one of those on your nose at night and you'll sleep like a baby.

 

[DawnPat]

I haven't been smoke-free for long enough to have those grosser symptoms, after 10 days my cough has eased dramatically and the color is returning to my face, skin looks better, not so sallow, whites of the eyes losing the yellowish color too
Its all good isn't it, even the nasty aspects.

 

[henbone11]

this is all very encouraging. I smoked for 20 years and never experienced much coughing up stuff. I have only been smoke free for 4 days, but I can definitely tell a difference in taste and smell. when I first started vaping it was like sucking on a fog machine, but its great now. I hope I can stay off of cigarettes for good, nothing would make me happier.

 

[ArcherFasting]

Steam helps too. Real steamy shower with long deep breaths should help with the clearing.
Glad to hear you r off and hope the best for your health!

 

[tabithad]

Man, I'm so jealous from hearing about this so often. I never got the lung cookie clean-out. Do you suppose that means it's all still in there, or does it mean I might have been one of those few who could have smoked into my 90's without ill effect? Been vaping for 11 months so I guess I've already passed that stage.

Don't feel bad, I have quit smoking multiple times and have NEVER had the lung hacking up cleaning thing happen for me either.... and it does not appear to be happening this time either... however my sense of smell is out of control already...

 

[stephyda]

I smoked for 20yrs and have not gone through this what does that mean? I hope my lungs are clearing up...

 

[walk1191]

I've been smoke-free for nine days. I haven't coughed up anything unusual, but I haven't taken Claritin for six days now, something I used to routinely do every morning. I do know that my sense of taste and smell is returning because I find the smell of my partner's cigarette breath extremely repulsive. Hopefully, he will take to his new kit as eagerly as I took to mine.

 

[Scooter70]

I've been smoke free for over three weeks and coughed up the first few days,then nothing for the past couple weeks.I thought after 23 years of smoking I would be coughing up a lot more,but everyone is different...

 

[THnCS]

It has been 7 days for me, no hacking either. I do have bad allergies and have to take Zyrtec every morning. I have notice that breathing is easier. The thing that I have noticed most, is I have a new found energy!! Not sure if it is in my head because I quit, but it is nice. I don't feel tired all the time now, sleeping better. It's Awesome!! I guess congrats on the Lung Butter