Lump In Throat, Coughing Clear Phlegm. Stopped Smoking. Is This Normal?

Posted on Thu, 4 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 Answered on

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have just stopped smoking and always feel like I have a lump in my throat and also coughing a clear flem is this normal? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (1 hour later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. It is a common thing in people who quit smoking. The hair on the cells that are in the respiratory lumen become active when they are not exposed to the smoke. This causes increasing in the secretions. It is useful since it permits to many particles to excrete from the lung. Fortunately it is transient and many people find it improved after one or two weeks. Let me know if you have any other question. I wish you a good health especially after quitting.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (4 minutes later)

Thanks for the answer. Would stopping smoking cause me to have the odd pain in my chest? And also make it hard to sleep on a night? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (10 minutes later)

Hi there, thanks again. Yes! stopping smoking can cause insomnia for 2 to 3 weeks which could be managed with medications or relaxation therapy. It also can cause palpitation (which could be with a pain in the chest) for a limited time. It is a benign thing, though.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar