3 weeks in breathing issues

I've been completely smoke free for 3 weeks quit cold turkey ever since about day 2 or 3 I've had excessive yawning and bouts where I feel like I'm short of breath. I've read that this is normal but how long does it last and is there anything I can do to help make it not so bad it gets to the point with the constant yawning that my chest starts to hurt.

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Well done on reaching the 3 week mark - fantastic achievement!!

I know that shortness of breath can bea temporary side effect of quitting but I am afraid I do not know how long it lasts or how to ease it. The only thing I can suggest (and I don't know if this will help or not), is to try inhaling steam to clear the airways - like you do when you have a cold. If this continues, perhaps a visit to the GP might be advisable.

Don't let this put you off your quit. There is a lot of damage to repair and the clearing out process does begin almost immediately after quitting. You are doing really well. Keep going! ☺

[AlexandriaUK Valued Contributor]

Yes that's one of the side effects of quitting, with me as far as I can remember it lasted on and off for about 5/6 weeks, it doesn't feel anxiety related but it turns out mine was and once I got it into my head that was the cause it eventually went, we called it the terrible 3s, 3 days, weeks, months and you guessed it years, don't worry about it but if it makes you feel better go see your GP, also I found fresh orange juice sipped helped.

Any way well-done, I also went cold Turkey, 7 years ago Christmas Day

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to AlexandriaUK]

Welcome to our community AlexandriaUK - wow 7 years! Congratulations and well done, heading into my 16 month smoke free cold turkey too

[Dp338 1 Year Smoke Free]

Your ok it's your lungs getting used to the change of no smoke every 30 min getting more air you fingers and toes will tingle there's a lot of changes going on in your body and mind let it come and let it go the more time you get away from that last smoke the easer it gets and the better you feel and it is so great to not have cold feet all the time good luck to every one dp338

[illusivegemini 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to Dp338]

Im only almost 6 days and yes i feel the tingle in my toes and have warm hands and feet...good to read these posts just positive ..feed back

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome Hidden and congratulations on over 3 weeks smoke free, well done! I too quit cold turkey over 15 months ago and experienced shortness of breath and chest pain for approximately the first 2 months, like suggested by Mushen, vaporizing with vicks can help lift the mucus and tar as the lungs is cleansing, also I took a spoonful of honey every morning for about 6 months, lots of water, short brisk walk in the fresh air helps too, if you can a short walk on a frosty morning or evening will do wonders. With regards the excessive yawning, have not heard of this symptom, perhaps a trip to your doctor for ease of mind might be needed, but don't let it discourage you in your quit, take it as a good sign that your body is repairing Stay close and let us know how you are getting on.....

[Hidden in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks I may make an appointment with a GP just for a check up and see

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Hidden]

Keep us posted Hidden