Physical Symptoms of Quitting & Tips for Dealing With Them
FROM: Joanieg 2014-08-10 01:34:30
SOURCE: The Lung Association, British Columbia
During the period of smoking thousands of cigarettes your body had to make adjustments to continue functioning in spite of the chemical assaults. As the chemicals and their drug effects lessen and the tissue recovery takes place, the new, non-smoker may experience a variety of changes.. Though sometimes unpleasant, these changes are actually signs of recovery. The human body quickly sets about repairing and cleaning up the years of damage and residue. Some people quit smoking without any noticeable change while others experience several or most of the following.
1. Thirst. This often accompanies a dry mouth. Drink lots of fluids, especially water, to assist the clean up.
2. Mouth Sores. A small percentage of ex-smokers suffer mouth irritations. These may be in the form of blisters, sores or inflammation on the gum and tongue, which are caused by chemical adjustments. It is now recognized as a possible vitamin deficiency, which can be helped by a better diet and vitamin supplement.
3. Coughing. Over a period of years of smoking, the lungs produce large amounts of phlegm in an attempt to protect themselves. After quitting, this material loosens and is removed from the lungs by coughing. Occasionally, mucus will be coughed up for several weeks after quitting.
4. Constipation. For many people, constipation is the result of drinking less coffee, tea or other stimulants that were associated with smoking. Roughage foods, such as bran muffins, raw fruits and vegetables, will counteract this problem. Drinking four to six glasses of water a day will also help.
5. Dizziness. Sometimes dizziness comes upon ex-smokers once or twice a day for a few days. This is a result of a normal oxygen supply.
6. Sore Throat. Frequently those who stop smoking will experience a sore throat or other cold symptoms. The smoker's throat is constantly treated with hot smoke, often disguising irritations and masking discomfort. The throat should heal quickly after total cessation.
7. Spaced Out. Vague, annoying symptoms linked with carbon monoxide withdrawal gives one the feeling of being in another dimension. Distance and space are affected, and a floating feeling is experienced as well as a lack of concentration. Driving or using machinery should be avoided if possible at this time.
8. Sleep Disturbances. These are probably one of the more frustrating and common side effects of smoking withdrawal. They are usually experienced in one of the following ways.
(a) Ex-smokers sometimes find themselves very relaxed after losing the chemical boost from tobacco. In extreme cases, they might not only sleep well, they might even feel they could fall asleep at any time. Of consolation is the fact that while you sleep, your body is busy repairing the damage caused by years of smoking. Naps after meals and extra hours of sleep at night pay off. Activities that speed up the heart rate will also help to overcome drowsiness.
(b) Some smokers complain that they find it difficult to sleep as they reduce their smoking. What they are complaining about is usually a boon. As a smoker, one may lack energy and have sleeps that are not restful. When one quits or begins to smoke less, the body becomes charged with energy. Enjoy these extra hours. Get up, read, write letters, go for a walk. Reading humor or light material will help prepare for sleep. Replace stimulants like tea, coffee, cola, or cocoa, with fruit juice, or a glass of sherry. Hobbies and crafts can fill the extra hours.