Shortness of breath after stopping smoking

I smoked cannabis for 40 years, as well as tobacco. I gave up weed 6 weeks ago and had withdrawal symptoms which included sleeplessness, cold sweats, recurring nightmares..!These went away after a week or two.Then I stopped the cigs 12 days ago, with similar symptoms.I use nicotine chewing gum at the worst moments. Inhaling ANY smoke is dangerous- I feel breathless and suffer mood swings, but I'm determined not to smoke.

Thank u 4 ur share. Godbless.

Thank goodness...I to have recently given up, and am relived that others are experiencing these problems. So lets stick to it and well done to all on kicking the habit. Derek.

Hi Derek.....How long ago did you quit.

Quit 2 weeks ago, and can quit coughing. Juat like everyone else, i pray this gets better, i feel like i have ruined my life.

Go and see your doctor. He/She can offer you some reassurance and perhaps prescribe you some medicine to get you "over the hump". My doctor gave me a dose pack of steroids (6 day taper) and an Advair inhaler to use for 2 weeks. These were beneficial because when one quits smoking, it is quite possible that you will develop some short term asthma-like symptoms (cough, shortness of breath etc..) and these drugs are often used to treat asthma. This really helped me. Now... congratulate yourself ! You have accomplished something that rivals getting off hard drugs and you are to be commended. Getting off nicotine is a PROCESS, not an EVENT. We're all here to help and encourage you. DON'T GIVE UP ! RJC

It's been a month and a half since I quit, my o2 Sats are 98 my lung function test were all normal but I feel like I just can't catch my breathe or I have to yawn to get enough air in I have also developed stomach problems with major bloating, are you feeling any better

We need to remember smoking not our quit caused the problems. Go to a Dr. or do whatever you need to do to not smoke. Good luck Doug

Hey everyone I quit smoking 52 days ago have been really ill with bad shortness of breath anxiety insomnia Drs gave me lorazepam but they made me feel spaced I have smoked for 30 years I have worried myself crazy reading things on the Internet at what could be wrong with me I've had chest x Ray which came back clear but have had pain under ribs left side and in back of my chest also I feel like I can't swallow and feel the tightness on the left side only am slowly starting to cough up mucus I am on a strong course of antibiotics and steroids at the moment I eat extremely healthy and am trying to exercise slowly as the sob gets me even when hoovering up ! I'm asthmatic also has anyone true flutter device for mucus removal ? Unfortunately my docs won't give me mucinex as I have gallstones and duodenitis which apparently can make these conditions worse, I would like to know roughly how long before I start to feel a bit more like my old self docs said also I'm suffering from depression but am not sure, although I have had a very stressful year, I've only just got married and am extremely happy so unsure I guess I just need some reassurance that I'm not alone because it certainly fells like I am right now although my husband is very supportive it's while he's at work and I'm on my own I panic and stress any input would be much appreciated thank you

Sorry should have said my name is Kerry I'm 49 years old

Hopefully every day gets better. It can take up to couple of years, as in my case. But I smoked heavy for 47 years. I know it's hard at times, just hang in there and it will get better if there are no physical problems, Time heals! Good luck Doug

Hi Doug thanks for your reply it helps to know others have had these feelings I've had a few good days this week today however have had a lot of indegestion and my lungs actually feel sore bruised and kind of itchy, I just hope this is all normal thanks for your words of support Kerry x

Hi there hope you are ok and coping with the quit I would say we quit about the same time I too having lots of not nice symptoms

I have the same problem I think it's anxiety for nicotine and we're holding our breath

I have the very same problem if anyone has any pointers on getting rid of this feeling would be great