Quit Smoking. Getting Lots Of Phlegm And Have Shortness Of Breathe. Will It Be Cured?

Posted on Sat, 1 Dec 2012

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

Sat, 1 Dec 2012 Answered on

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Quit smoking three weeks ago. Lots of phlegm and I tend to run short of breathe will talking. Is this a change that will end in time or should I follow up with care provider.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (4 hours later)

Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Congratulations for stopping the smoking. Good motivation and achievement. Keep it up.

By 3 weeks, phlegm should have disappeared / shortness of breath should not be there.
The symptoms may mean secondary infection, Chronic Bronchitis or Asthma.
You should see your doctor to make sure. Physical examination is necessary. You may need a Chest X-ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test / Spirometry)

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck

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