Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Cough And Sore Throat Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms?
Question: Ive been a smoker for 4 years and stopped smoking 11 days ago. Since then I started experiencing a cough and sore throat which gets worse at night. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night because of the cough. 2 days ago I started to experience soreness underneath my chin (directly under my tongue) in the soft tissues. Should I be worried?
Brief Answer:
Doesn't seem anything to worry about
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
It is very common for dry cough and throat/oral cavity irritation to occur right after cessation of smoking. This is because of three possible reasons
1. Smoking for 4 years may have damaged the mucociliary lining along the throat and oral cavity, making the environment vulnerable for source of infections and local irritation.
2. The nicotine in cigarettes has an effect on stomach acid production/digestion and the sudden cessation typically causes a lot of acid reflux that comes up to the throat and causes dry cough, sore throat (more at night and worsens on lying down) and excessive throat clearing.
3. Since smoking causes dryness in the mouth and throat, which takes 2-3 weeks to recover back to normal and the dryness can be possible source of infections.
In my opinion I would recommend a gradual weaning from smoking and this can be achieved by replacing cigarettes with nicotine chewing gums or patches so as to slowly reduce the effects of nicotine and stop withdrawal side effects. Also a good antacid (proton pump inhibitors) once in the day before meals for about a week will reduce your dry cough considerably. Antiseptic (chlorhexidine or betadine) oral rinses and mouthwashes thrice daily after meals for a week may also help in reducing any early inflammation due to after effects of smoking or an early viral infection. In addition, avoid spicy diet, tea/coffee/alcohol/smoking and continue to drink plenty of fluids. Do make it a point to avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after any meal so as to prevent acid reflux and damage to the throat mucosal lining.
Do continue with humidification of the room and multi-vitamins.
The symptoms you are describing suggest inflammation and do not seem to be representative of any cancerous lesion or something that you need to be too worried about. If the soreness beneath the tongue turns into a lump or swelling or exudes pus or if you develop fever or voice change then do visit your ENT specialist for a more detailed evaluation.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if you have any other questions.
Doesn't seem anything to worry about
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for writing to HCM.
It is very common for dry cough and throat/oral cavity irritation to occur right after cessation of smoking. This is because of three possible reasons
1. Smoking for 4 years may have damaged the mucociliary lining along the throat and oral cavity, making the environment vulnerable for source of infections and local irritation.
2. The nicotine in cigarettes has an effect on stomach acid production/digestion and the sudden cessation typically causes a lot of acid reflux that comes up to the throat and causes dry cough, sore throat (more at night and worsens on lying down) and excessive throat clearing.
3. Since smoking causes dryness in the mouth and throat, which takes 2-3 weeks to recover back to normal and the dryness can be possible source of infections.
In my opinion I would recommend a gradual weaning from smoking and this can be achieved by replacing cigarettes with nicotine chewing gums or patches so as to slowly reduce the effects of nicotine and stop withdrawal side effects. Also a good antacid (proton pump inhibitors) once in the day before meals for about a week will reduce your dry cough considerably. Antiseptic (chlorhexidine or betadine) oral rinses and mouthwashes thrice daily after meals for a week may also help in reducing any early inflammation due to after effects of smoking or an early viral infection. In addition, avoid spicy diet, tea/coffee/alcohol/smoking and continue to drink plenty of fluids. Do make it a point to avoid lying down for at least 2 hours after any meal so as to prevent acid reflux and damage to the throat mucosal lining.
Do continue with humidification of the room and multi-vitamins.
The symptoms you are describing suggest inflammation and do not seem to be representative of any cancerous lesion or something that you need to be too worried about. If the soreness beneath the tongue turns into a lump or swelling or exudes pus or if you develop fever or voice change then do visit your ENT specialist for a more detailed evaluation.
Hope this helps. Do let me know if you have any other questions.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
