Question: Hi, I'm a male 22 and have been smoking since 17. I finally decided to kick the habit and am almost at my first week without cigarettes. However, It seems I'm feeling worse now than I did when I was still smoking. From 17-20 I usually averaged between 4-7 cigs a day. From 20 til last week I usually smoked anywhere from 8-15 or so depending on the day I was having but never made it to the full pack a day smoker. My main concern is that I seem to be have shortness of breath especially after doing anything strenuous. I can never seem to clear my throat either and have constant drainage. I read on several forums that many ex smokers have these symptoms when quitting and they can take weeks or even months to clear out. I also seem to be getting dizzy and sleepy when I normally wouldn't. I read that this can be from nicotine withdrawals, but I'm using nicotine gum at home and am smoking e-cigs at work. I'm just wondering if I'm experiencing these "quitters symptoms" that will go away with time or if any of this is an indication that serious or fatal damage has already been done. It wouldn't seem likely to me given my young age and that I'm in overall good health minus being overweight. If it doesn't seem to improve any by the end of this week I plan on consulting my doctor, but I'm also hesitant to at the same time. I guess I'm afraid of finding out I may already have some form of COPD at 22 and will have to cope with it for the rest of my life.