Shortness of breath after stopping smoking

Question

Can anybody tell me if shortness of breath after stopping smoking is normal? I am 32 years old, male, smoked 8-9 cigarettes a day for about 15 years. I stopped smoking three weeks ago. I have never been short of breath in my life, however since I stopped smoking, I find myself out of breath, at strange times, even when sitting at rest. Is this just part of stopping smoking? It seems to be very difficult to find information on the side effects of stopping smoking! Thanks, Richard.

Asked by Guest on Mar 10th 2008 ⚑

Post Answer Follow

Answer by Guest - Apr 29th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 1 · 2014-04-29 14:08:12

I think the doctors just have no clue when it comes to this. I think there are many more people that have no issues after quitting than do like us. My anxiety and SOB as been in check the last few weeks. If it does come on, it's not that long and goes away quickly. I notice when I start thinking about it then it comes on and I have to quickly change my thought patterns so I don't go into a downward spiral :) So true what you said, I too had none of these issues until about a month into quitting. I know that this is the reason and I have to believe that it will get better with time and so will you. There are people here that posted taking 18 to 24 months before feeling normal again so I will just keep hanging in there and to keep a positive mind set. This site has been a Godsend for me. ~Keith

Answer by 123Angel311205 - Apr 29th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 2 · 2014-04-29 14:19:26

So true. I find so much comfort when I read things posted on this forum just to know I am not alone.

Answer by Guest - Apr 29th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 3 · 2014-04-29 14:41:13

Doctors don't always know about all the issues that come up with quitting smoking so I don't take to much stock when they say it's a coincidence like they told me because it's not. My resting heart rate is way better now and it takes a lot of physical activity to get it up above 100 bpm now that when I smoked. I do see days now where I feel better than when I smoked which I thought was not possible since I was fine as a smoker but I was wrong. I feel different hard to explain but it's good. I can tell you also that it takes a lot now to get me stressed out where before I would easily get annoyed at things. Now it just rolls off me feels great. These are the little things that I'm starting to see the difference in. Keep strong it will happen soon enough. ~Keith

Answer by tim - Apr 29th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 4 · 2014-04-29 19:30:35

hi scott read your concerns about your breathing and u said it depends on what you eat ask your doctor if u have gerds cause i think u might have it that is why your short of breath tim

Answer by Guest - Apr 30th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 5 · 2014-04-30 04:43:52

yes i have had the same thing i am 48 given up 7 months and trying to run for a future fitness test and i am having so much trouble breathing, much mor ethan when i smoked, i have put on some weight since giving up so i am taking this into account good luck i will beat this by just keeping on running slowly daily,

Answer by Guest - Apr 30th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 6 · 2014-04-30 09:36:26

Sounds to me like he likes tending his flock of "chronic"patients. Or is afraid to say anything. Ive came across this same reaction with probably every doctor I have talked to.It's either deer in the headlights or resistance.....Strange.

Answer by 123Angel311205 - Apr 30th 2014 ⚑ · Answer 7 · 2014-04-30 09:44:55

It is very strange....

Answer by hplar62294319 - May 1st 2014 ⚑ · Answer 8 · 2014-05-01 09:24:28

I think most of this S O B started when they started making cigs that went out when you stopped puffing on them, that is why most of the medical people know nothing about this,I think this is a new problem that just started a few years ago. and the schools that teach these doctors know nothing about this. Just my opinion, THANKS RALPH

Answer by Guest - May 1st 2014 ⚑ · Answer 9 · 2014-05-01 10:22:13

Could be which may explain why people years ago did not have SOB? I just hope this will clear up one day 10 months of this is crazy. It has gotten much better but it is a sloooooow process. Keith

Answer by 123Angel311205 - May 1st 2014 ⚑ · Answer 10 · 2014-05-01 10:45:41

What an interesting concept...I never thought about that...

Answer by jen46ddd - May 1st 2014 ⚑ · Answer 11 · 2014-05-01 13:20:56

I am havin sane things happen with shortness of breath......i smoked 17 yrs .....quit and now am always short of breath .....even when i do nothing......i feels horrible

Answer by 123Angel311205 - May 1st 2014 ⚑ · Answer 12 · 2014-05-01 13:23:13

Welcome to this forum....that's exactly what happened to me and I smoked for like 17 years straight and quite cold turkey then developed SOB 3 weeks after I stopped...how lond did it take before you developed SOB?

Answer by hplar62294319 - May 2nd 2014 ⚑ · Answer 13 · 2014-05-02 10:12:15

Well people today is the day I leave you nice folks for 4 months, I hope when I get back in sept. that alot of you no longer have this problem, please keep this board alive for future folks that are in fear of their lives. good luck to all and have a nice summer THANKS RALPH

Answer by 123Angel311205 - May 2nd 2014 ⚑ · Answer 14 · 2014-05-02 10:30:54

???????????????????????????????????????????? Did I miss something...I am going to have to go back to see why you are leaving for 4 months....anyway, thanks Ralph...will truly miss your imput, thoughts and updates...and pray that when you return back to the forum you will be in better health as well.

Answer by Guest - May 2nd 2014 ⚑ · Answer 15 · 2014-05-02 13:14:04

Wow, no access to a computer for months? Hope by then we all feel normal again :) Keith