Whether you have smoked for years or have long since stopped, a “smoker’s cough” can be more serious than you think. Dr. Ken Chapman, a respirologist at the University Health Network, shares his expert advice.
Q: Dear Dr. Chapman: Last year I gave up smoking as my New Year’s resolution and overall, I feel much better. However, I noticed I still have a persistent cough, which can last for weeks at a time and produces a lot of mucus. Is this just a normal symptom of smoking for years or is it more serious?
A: Congratulations on giving up smoking. Though quitting smoking is a great first step to improving your health, the years of tobacco use may have caused permanent damage to your lungs and your cough may be a lingering result. In fact, a “smoker’s cough” or chronic cough may be a sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and coughing up phlegm. When the lungs become irritated and symptoms get worse or a new, persistent symptom comes on, it can be a sign of a lung attack. These can lead to hospitalization, restricted mobility and can increase the risk of death. Once the damage to the lung airways is done, it cannot be reversed.
My advice is to visit your doctor and discuss your symptoms. If you are on medication to help with these symptoms, ask if your medication dosages need to be adjusted or if you need to take additional medication.
