What Causes Gas, Burping And Burning Pain After Quitting Smoking?
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Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query and as you know heart burns, burping and acidity problems are seen in the initial days of quitting smoking, might be for about a week or two.
You can treat the heart burns and burping by taking medications which decrease stomach acid formation like pantoprazole 40 mg on empty stomach once a day early in the morning for 2 weeks.
Please take small meals every 3 - 4 hours and avoid fasting. Drink lots of water and fresh juices through out the day.
Smoking causes nicotine addiction. The first two weeks are most important during quitting. This is because there are few physical and psychological elements which are commonly seen in those quitting for the first few days.
The physical symptoms are as follows
1. Tingling in the hands and feet
2. Sweating
3. Intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea)
4. Headache
5. Cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throats, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem)
The psychological symptoms are as follows
1. Anger and craving
2. Insomnia
3. Mental confusion
4. Vagueness
5. Irritability
6. Anxiety
7. Depression is common in the short and long term.
Any of the above listed symptoms in the next 2 - 3 weeks are due to quitting.
As you have already quit, I reassure you that these symptoms will stop in 2 - 3 weeks time. Till then please keep hope that you will win.
If you are restless and unable to manage your symptoms then please register yourself for a quit smoking program under the guidance of a psychiatrist. They will give you additional medications to help you through.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek