Once you quit smoking, you have to be mentally geared up for dealing with the withdrawal symptoms which you are likely to experience in the first few weeks of abstinence. Nicotine is extremely addictive which is why you need to battle the temptation successfully. Common withdrawal symptoms include – tingling, headache, nervousness, short temperedness, and nausea.
Smoke attacks your body’s defense mechanism against disease producing pathogens and environmental poisons. The mucus membranes of the respiratory tract manufacture mucus when exposed to nicotine or tar. Cilia i.e. the minuscule, fine, hair-like projections in the upper respiratory passages, sweep off mucus and trapped particles and make sure that they do not enter the lungs. Smoking damages the cilia, hence, the airways and the lungs get damaged, inflamed and the toxins get caught along with mucus.
Once you quit smoking, your body makes an attempt to sluice out the noxious pollutants which have built up with time. These deadly toxins which have accumulated are thrown out in the form of black, tarry mucus.
Is It Normal To Cough Up Black Mucus After Quitting Smoking?
Spitting out mucus is in fact a very good sign. Once your body can deal with the mucus, the risk of lung infections gets reduced. Your body is trying to get accustomed to the new lifestyle; and the body’s defense mechanism which had become impaired due to smoking, gets strengthened again.
Coughing up mucus shouldn’t cause you stress and anguish. It shows you that your body is trying to recoup. You could try a few remedies to force out the black mucus.
First and foremost, you need to drink loads of fluids. This loosens up the tarry-mucus, as well as helps soothe an irritated throat. Deep breathing exercises and Pranayama are significantly beneficial. Refrain from consuming foods which trigger excessive mucus production at least for 2 to 3 months – such as dairy products. Inhaling steam and consuming herbal tea aid in sluicing out your system.
In case of habitual smokers, having substantial lung impairment, enrolling for a lung detoxification program is a must. As the built up toxins get eliminated from your respiratory tract, the color of the mucus starts to change gradually. Once all the remnants of tar have been thrown out, the mucus you cough will be white. In case you have violent bouts of coughing and / or you see blood in the mucus after you stop smoking, it is prudent for you to confer with a health care provider.
Sputum evaluation, blood investigations, X-ray of the chest and other imaging techniques need to be done for the physician to assess the degree of damage caused by smoking. Your physician will also give you guideline to successfully tackle the smoking withdrawal symptoms.
It has been fairly commonly seen that those who have quit smoking recently, feel very frightened at the sight black mucus; nonetheless, do remember it is seen in most cases. It is your body’s mechanism to drive out the tar and other lethal toxins. Stay calm and stay firm on your resolve to quit smoking. What’s more, you can always talk to your health care provider to allay your fears.