Day Three without a smoke

[LINDA1031]

As an asthmatic I gave up cigarettes years ago only to restart 3 years ago I was smoke free for 18 years ! So now I've decided all my sinus issues and shortness of breath has to stop so Day 3!!! The thing that bothers me the most is I feel my asthma is worse but I have bad allergies and it's a bad season and I'm on a prednisone taper but still get tight in the chest I guess soon it will pass hopefully guess those cigs have bronchodilators in them that's how they get u addicted !!! My peak flow is better just feels like my lungs are sore !$

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

Hiya Linda,

Wecome to the forum and well done on getting through the hardest part!

My mate (who has asthma) complained of this when he tried to stop smoking too. He has this complicated elaborate theory that smoking actually improves his asthma and we have had many "discussions" about it so I've looked up the medical opinion in the past.

It's all part of the cleaning out process I think, and a lot of people report breathing problems. I remember being worried because my cough initially got better then got worse after a couple of weeks.

This is the official stance from Asthma UK: (read 2nd statement)

Why giving up smoking is good for your asthma

- You'll notice fewer asthma symptoms

-A couple of days after giving up smoking your lungs will start to clear out. Some people with asthma do notice asthma symptoms are worse when they first give up smoking - but try not to let this put you off. Get support from your GP or asthma nurse while you're giving up so that you can stay on top of any symptoms while sticking to your stop smoking plan.

- After about three days breathing becomes easier as the airways begin to relax.

- After three to nine months lung function increases by up to 10 per cent which means less breathlessness and coughing and more energy to do the things you want to do.

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Once your lungs are less irritated by the smoke, and free of the chemicals from smoking, your preventer medicines will work better too which means you'll manage your asthma a lot more easily. You'll also probably find you don't need to use your reliever inhaler because your symptoms aren't flaring up as much any more.

(full story) asthma.org.uk/advice/manage...

I hope this helps? Let us know how you're getting on.

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

Great reply Nozmo

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome LINDA1031 to our community and congratulations on over 5 days quit now Nozmo gave you great advice and info there, even without asthma these symptoms are perfectly normal and should pass and improve in the next week or so - have a look at below pinned post with some helpful posts if not already read - hope things are ok for you - keep in touch with us.

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin...