How Long Does it Take for a Chronic Cough to Stop after Quitting Smoking?
Q. As a long time smoker have had a dry chronic cough for several years, mostly when I lie down. I have never been short of breath. About five years ago (I was 43 then) my PFT tests were normal except that I experienced a 28% decline in FEV1 after methacholine. The post BD response only showed about 2% reversal but the final FEV 1 was 73. Five weeks ago I quit smoking after a new doctor said he still suspected COPD though my symptoms have not worsened. He will perform new PFT tests next month. This is my question. About 3 days after I stopped smoking my cough disappeared completely. Do chronic coughs resolve that quickly in a patient suspected of COPD? Thank you for a terrific website. Emily A Dear Emily, These chronic coughs can indeed stop very quickly on stopping smoking. Usually it takes a few weeks, but you are lucky. Never smoke again and stay healthy. Dr. Tom Availability of New Drug to Treat Fibrotic Diseases Q. Hi Dr. Tom, Is it FG-3019 already out of the market? A. Dear Erwin
