Is coughing a side effect of quitting smoking?
On One Hand: Coughing Is a Symptom of WithdrawalSince smokers are addicted to nicotine, a drug found in tobacco, quitting smoking usually involves withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include coughing, sore throat, dry mouth, headaches, tiredness, anxiety, irritability, depression and weight gain. These symptoms often begin a few hours after the smoker’s last cigarette.On the Other: Withdrawal Symptoms Are TemporaryWithdrawal symptoms can be very distracting or uncomfortable, but they are temporary. Most symptoms peak after a few days, once most of the nicotine and other chemicals have been flushed from the body. Although withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks, they usually decrease slightly each day.Bottom LineQuitting smoking has many health benefits, including decreased risk of lung disease, cancer, blindness and heart disease.
