Shortness of breath after stopping smoking

Coldfeet, I didn't take what you said personally........in fact, I agree with you about us being a slave to the tobacco companies. I DO thank you very much for your prayers....(I really need them). I have a mass on my windpipe and also the aorta, so surgery is out. They are going to try Chemo and Radiation. I start treatment next Tuesday.........May God bless you and keep you safe. Diane

I don't want to die yet. :(

You are welcome D. Is there anything I can do? I feel I should ask you to read BHAGWAD GITA, the Indian solution for all earthly problems. It is the text of Lord Krishna's words to Arjuna, to pacify him at a crucial moment. Of course, all gods are same, all their sayings are same, they guide us, but in different words

I smoked for about 38 years. I quit cold turkey and experienced months of SOB. I have felt everything the rest of you have felt. Anxiety and moody at times, sad, and shortness of breath. Mucinex helped for a while. I then started doing breathing exercises while I watched television. That also has helped. It's been 14 months since I smoked. I'll never be completely well, but it feels much better. I still have triggers once or twice a day, but I'm so proud to say I no longer smoke. I have this reminder on my desktop to remind myself what I accomplished. It's a quit meter that keeps counting the days of being smoke free, how many cigarettes not smoked, how much money saved, life saved, etc. It is a daily reminder I check in with daily. http://www.dedicateddesigns.com/qk/ I can't believe after 14 months this is still a daily thought, but I'm feeling pretty strong to not ever return. Too bad some of the people in my life didn't understand how massive this was for me and how difficult of an accomplishment this has been. They didn't understand it came with anxiety, sadness, and moods. I'm really sorry about that, but I can't change the past. Please don't smoke, don't go back, you'll get through this sob and move forward. We damaged our lungs, but they will heal. Maybe not completely, but take what your body is willing to give you.

Diane, I'm very sorry for your recent news of being diagnosed with lung cancer. My coworker's brother went through all the treatment and is doing well. I wish that for you! Thank you for sharing your news here. It may help someone not go back or find the strength and resolve to stop smoking.

Dear Kduff, your words are certainly enlightening. I am also counting days of NO-TO-TOBACCO. I think we should have a body like AA to help those in need of help.

 Almost 3 months since I quit cold turkey after over 50 yrs. and 1 -2 pks per day. Almost immediately after quitting, the SOB started, ended up in a quick care because I was tired of not being able to breath. Was told it might be asthma and allergies. Was given albuterol (at a cost over $58.00)which doesn't do a bit of good except for about 1 minute, and a RX for Singulair (which I couldn't get filled, over $100.00 and 0 insurance) Having chest pains but in different spots each time and not constantly, and feel like there is something stuck in my throat most of the time. The SOB is getting out of hand, can't talk and walk at the same time, The cough is sometime productive, usually at night while laying in bed, sometime I gag  when the crap is coming up. Sometimes the tightness in my chest is horrible especially if I've had a coughing fit and I need to continue coughing but I can't. Was planning on calling Dr. on Mon. but may give it a bit more time. Deep breathing sometimes helps, but usually I just have to stop what I'm doing and sit for a bit

I think, subject to your doctor's advice, that Nasonex may be helpful. I find that quite helpful, initially one puff each in the morning and evening. Avoid stress, strain and unpleasantness. I know it is not easy, that it takes time to practice patience and calm. But, results are GO...........D!

I have the worst anxiety right now, can't sleep, can't stop clearing my throat of thick  mucus, causing more anxiety, soon I'll be having another panic attack. Gosh I hate those. The worst of all is that my doctor won't perscribe me any more Ativan since it's supposedly a temporary fix and highly addictive.  Yes I agree with with with the whole it is highly addictive, however I can't even leave my house to walk around the block with panicking or coughing ( sometimes gagging ) up globs of thick gross phlegm. I think I need to change my doctor......hmmmmmmmmmm7 months in, going strong, haven't given in to any cravings, after going through this treacherous "Detox" I have been officially warded away from ciggarettes for the rest of my life. AAAAAAAAAAAARGH, I can't sleep......this anxiety is gonna drive me nuts - I feel like screaming..... I need something to calm me down or else I'm gonna hyperventilate !

I had no link. can you repost?

ditto here,have never had a headache or cold for ages but am suffering of severe breathlessness but have still not met the doc. Whts ur advise,is it better to meet a doctor?

I stopped smoking over 5 years ago and developed Chronic sinusitis shortly after I stopped smoking. I was told the shortness of breath would disappear in time. Well it hasn't. I have gained a lot of weight, but can't do cardio exercises because I can't breathe. Inhalers and other medications don't help. I see so many here have the same problem, but I see that no one has received any help for the sob.

Why do you not try YOGA breathing exercises? It is wonderful. It is efficacious.

Coldfeet, I agree with you. There needs to be an AA type of program to help people through giving up this addiction. Everyone, keep practicing deep breathing exercises. Practice blowing out a candle and keep moving it a little further away. For a long time I had SOB just sitting in a chair. That no longer happens, but I do have trouble when I exercise. Keep trying and push a little harder. If you have to rest, then do that, but get up and try again. Decades of abuse isn't going to go away without punishment. Stay strong, you are worth the effort!

Jee, I also have anxiety attacks and have ativan when needed. You are suffering too much and may need daily medication, that will give you more than short term relief than what we get from ativan. Don't worry about asking your doctor for something that will help relieve these attacks. I know them well. It's more important you find a way to function in your daily life and be able to sleep at night. Someone also suggested yoga which can be a huge help to relax. Congratulation on 7 months smoke free!