I can't breath
Since I quit smoking I can barely breath, while before i didn't have any problems like this when I smoked. Is it normal? How long will it last? It's just the second day without cigarettes for me.
Hi citizen. Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking and find a better way of life. It is unfortunate that you are having such difficulty while just starting out. I don't recall anyone with breathing issues yet did find others when i googled it. Still it may be coincidence and not smoke related so see a doctor if you are inclined. Apparently smokers breathed more shallow except for when we smoked and took deeper breaths as to inhale more. This gave us a relaxed feeling just as our diaphragmic deep breathing excercises calm us to overcome withdrawal. I did have bouts shortness of breath BEFORE i quit smoking so I relate with you as to how it makes you feel. Could it be that it is brought on by stress or anxiety? Now you are anxious about it, and so the cycle begins.
Embracing this journey with a light heart rather than dread and foreboding will help to complete this journey more quickly. Working with rather than against forces is easier in the long run. I know that i quit for the health of my lungs amongst other things, and I know that they have strenghtened in function and capacity. Calm your thoughts, take deep breaths and relax.
I hope you find your answer. I am sorry if I was not of help to you today, but please do take part in our forum and know that you are not alone and that this addiction can be beaten. Gain knowledge, understanding and the confidence that you can do this. All the best to you citizen.
Hi Citizen
As Happiness has suggested, do go see your GP.
The alternative is to continue smoking and get emphysema and then you will NOT be able to breathe at all. There is only one outcome of that...Weather the storm any way you can. Just don't smoke.
Thank you Happiness, I think it is really related to anxiety and stress, because that's usually happening right after work or when I get nervous. And there is a point in what you said about diaphragmatic experience while smoking, and that explains a lot because I used to be a heavy smoker for more than 20 years. One of my friend who quitted before said he had the same experience. Anyway, I already feel better now.
Hi Lia, thank you for your instructions and support, but for me it's not so dramatic. If I feel really bad then of course I will see a doctor. I quit smoking because it's my conscious decision, not because somebody warned me or told me so. Please don't say "don't smoke" no a nihilistic by his nature person like me :)
I'm an educated person and know that the symptoms of cigarette abstinence may be different and I'm not surprised. I just wanted to know if anybody else has experienced the same symptom and if it lasts long.