I however have been diagnosed asthmatic since quitting !
Lungs are still cleaning themselves
I find that I sleep better at night when I have exercised during the day
I quit smoking four months ago and have been visiting this site regularly ever since, because I've been suffering heavily with the stuffed dry sinuses, tight lumpy throat, and worst of all--the tight, dry, slightly wheezy "shortness of breath" chest congestion that freaks out so many people after they quit smoking. I even went so far as to finally call my doctor yesterday, and they said to come in for X-rays, breathing tests, and possibly a low-dose CT scan of my lungs (more powerful than normal x-ray). But I must say--last night, about an hour before bed, suddenly all those dreadful, panic-inducing symptoms just "melted away!" I couldn't believe it. It's been so long, I'd forgotten what "normal" felt like. But I went to sleep cautiously, knowing that I could very well wake up in the morning and the tight chest wheeze and the rest of the symptoms would still be there. But lo and behold, they were NOT. My lungs this morning felt clear as a bell, with just a slight "wetness" and productive movement when I forced a cough. My sinuses were totally normal, not thick and stuffed as they'd been the past four straight months. Same for the lump-in-throat that made me clear my throat every five minutes, all day every day. Gone. Normal.
I wanted to shout it from the rooftops at work today. I was giddy with joy. I even went surfing after work, and could paddle hard and duck under plenty of waves without getting frighteningly out-of-breath, as I've been experiencing even before I quit smoking. I mean, what a difference a day makes.
I don't know why or how all the scary symptoms just suddenly went away. And of course, perhaps these symptoms might return. However, I still feel very good now, more than 24 hours later. This "window of freedom" is enough to convince me that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even if the symptoms DO return. Because right now I'm basking in the feeling of oxygen-rich "normality." Which leads me to believe that in many cases, these symptoms are some sort of anxiety-induced somatoform disorder that results from quitting smoking. At least I hope so. Because if so, then the symptoms will definitely cease in due course.
I gave up smoking 20-40 smokes a day for 30 + yrs because I promised myself to stop at 50 that was 35 days ago. Now I'm having massive heart issues requiring testing and breathing issues also.
I really am beginning to think I would be better to start smoking again I actually felt much better 35 days ago : ( and healthy. Does anyone have ANY answers or reasons for this experience or anything similar?