Articles on Smoking | Topics: smoking, smokers
by Francis Zamora
One of the problems many smokers have is dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal. This is partly because the symptoms are so strong, but is also largely because they are unexpected. For this reason, it is important for smokers who are trying to quit to be aware of the possible withdrawal symptoms ahead of time and to make plans for dealing with them.
Dizziness
Sometimes, you will experience dizziness when you quit smoking. This is because of the increase in oxygen in the blood combined with the blood pressure lowering back to normal. For this reason, it is important for you to be careful if trying to quit. Be aware of this possibility and don't work too hard. You can also try going for a walk, getting fresh air, or slowly changing positions. Dizziness often lasts for several days before going away.
Coughing, Runny Nose, and Sore Throat
No, this isn't a cold. When you quit smoking, your body's respiratory system attempts to clean itself out. This can result in excessive coughing and even a runny nose. It is best to drink lots of fluids at this time in order to help your body cleanse itself.
At the same time, you may get a sore throat. This is because your throat is clearing away the tar and nicotine and growing new tissues. Sucking on sweets or throat lozenges can help, as can eating honey.
Tightness in Chest, Flatulence, Constipation, and Headaches
Again, you aren't sick. This isn't the flu; these are withdrawal symptoms as your body attempts to recover from the nicotine, tar, and other toxins it endured from smoking. The tight chest is actually caused from all of the coughing you have been doing. Your chest muscles have become sore, so you need to do relaxation exercises and try some deep breathing to relax your chest muscles.
The movement in your intestines temporarily slowing down causes the flatulence and constipation. If you eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of fluids, you should see a little relief. The headaches are the result of an increased blood flow to your brain. In addition, this blood has more oxygen. Relaxation exercises and drinking fluids will also help with this problem.
| Quote of the Day |
I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,
dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix,
angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of night,
who poverty and tatters and hollow-eyed and high sat up smoking in the supernatural darkness of cold-water flats floating across the tops of cities contemplating jazz.
| —Allen Ginsberg (b. 1926) |
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Mood Changes, Concentration Troubles, and Fatigue
You will most likely feel irritable or angry when you quit smoking. This is because your body is desperate to get more nicotine. Relaxation exercises can help you get through this. It is also important to let your anger out in a safe way. If you try to bottle it up, you will become tenser and you will feel a greater need to have another cigarette.
You may also have difficulty concentrating. This goes back to the increased blood flow to you brain. Basically, your brain is not used to this and is not sure what to do. It is used to relying on the stimulation provided by the nicotine. It will take a few weeks for it to remember how to do its job without the help of the drug.
At the same time, you might experience feelings of fatigue. This is because your metabolic rate returns to normal after you quit smoking. It is important that you don't over exert yourself at this time. Give your body time to become adjusted to the change. This should take a few weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms can begin to appear as soon as 4 hours after your last cigarette. For most people, the intensity of the systems reaches its peak at around three to five days and they disappear after 2 weeks.
Boredom
You might even experience boredom or feel like you are cooped up. This is because you are missing your "friend," the cigarette. You are used to spending time with your cigarette and occupying yourself with smoking. You need to try to find new things to do that will keep both your hands and your mind busy. Try riding a bike, going for a short walk, or swimming. Or, do a small task that will keep your hands busy, such as cooking, doing dishes, painting, writing a letter, knitting, sewing, or gardening. You might even run a few errands or get out of the house for another reason, such as to watch a movie.
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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Withdrawal Worries – What Happens After You Quit Smoking" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by HealthExerciseSports.com. |
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