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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Wheezing And Chest Tightness After Quitting Smoking?

Hi, I quit smoking 2 weeks ago after 3.5 years of smoking 10-15 cigarettes a day. So tired of being a "Smoker" - it was so stupid to even start. Since quitting, I've had what I can only describe as staggered wheezing, exercise related chest tightnesss that will last for days.....and general miserable time trying to get air to more than 20% of my lungs. What's the deal?
Tue, 9 Dec 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for choosing HCM for your health related queries

You used cigarette smoking for about 3.5 years with 10-15 cigarettes per day. Then you stopped to smoke. Now you have symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty to get air in lungs etc. Nicotine is main constituent of cigarette and it is a highly dependence producing substance. Abrupt cessation of drug after use for many years result in withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness etc are occurring due to nicotine withdrawal only.

To prevent the withdrawal symptoms usually nicotine replacement is advised by advising patients to take Nicotine gums. The gums should be taken at time of smoke. To decrease craving and severe anxiety you are having then medicines like Bupropion, Varenicline etc are advised. Consult a psychiatrist for detailed treatment of tobacco cessation.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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What Causes Wheezing And Chest Tightness After Quitting Smoking?

Hello thanks for choosing HCM for your health related queries You used cigarette smoking for about 3.5 years with 10-15 cigarettes per day. Then you stopped to smoke. Now you have symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty to get air in lungs etc. Nicotine is main constituent of cigarette and it is a highly dependence producing substance. Abrupt cessation of drug after use for many years result in withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness etc are occurring due to nicotine withdrawal only. To prevent the withdrawal symptoms usually nicotine replacement is advised by advising patients to take Nicotine gums. The gums should be taken at time of smoke. To decrease craving and severe anxiety you are having then medicines like Bupropion, Varenicline etc are advised. Consult a psychiatrist for detailed treatment of tobacco cessation. Thanks, hope this helps you.