Question:
What's up with this cough?

I quit smoking on October 15 of this year. Since I quit, I have this horrible cough. It is like a bronchial cough, deep in my chest. It even gives me trouble sleeping at times. This has been going on for three weeks. I NEVER had even the slightest cough when I smoked. I feel fine and there is no fever or wheezing. It doesn't hurt to breathe deep either. Any suggestions? My surgery is set for Monday, Nov. 12. Thanks in advance:)    — Cinna G. (posted on November 7, 2001)

November 6, 2001
It's probably just your lungs clearing out years of tar build-up. Coughing is good. Helps open up all the teeny little airways. :)
   — [Anonymous]

November 7, 2001
See your PCP immediately, just in case you have a problem. So it doesnt delay surgery.
   — bob-haller

November 7, 2001
As I preveious poster said...you may want to check with your physician. However, I did read the following info when I was doing some personal research on this topic: Small microscopic hair like structures called cilia, which normally "sweep" clean the lungs, are paralyzed by cigarette smoke. Within days of stop smoking, the cilia will start ot recover and begin "sweeping" out the phlegm which has built up 8in your lungs. You might feel like you have a cold, and the coughing might be unpleasant, but it means your lungs are clearing themselves out - and that's good news.
   — PaulaM

November 7, 2001
My boyfriend just quit smoking 2-1/2 weeks ago and he has a cough also I think its your lungs getting rid of the nasty stuff in your lungs.
   — Laura R.

November 7, 2001
Paula is right, that is exactly what's going on. I have the same thing myself right now! I take some dayquil and it calms it down if it gets really bad. But this will actually help you! :) Good luck with your surgery!
   — Deborah W.