What Causes Shortness Of Breath After Chewing Nicotine?

Posted on Fri, 28 Apr 2017

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

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 Answered on

Thu, 18 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I seem to have shortness of breath when I chew 2mg nicotine polacrilex, I quit smoking completely 4 months ago and started reducing my cigarette intake about 2 years ago. I smoked one pack per day for 30 yrs. some days I do not have shortness of breath and when I started thinking about when I was short of breath it struck me that when I chew the gum was when I was short of breath, can the gum cause this ?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Nicotine polacrilex gum does not cause shortness of breath, I can assure you. Especially the lowest dose, 2mg, which you are using -- this is very safe. The shortness of breath is likely coincidental. I would explore other potential causes, such as COPD from years of smoking, late-onset asthma, or simple anxiety.

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