KickingIt,
Actually, cigarettes have a bigger role than you think.
When you smoked, nicotine triggered the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for good mood. When you quit, it isn't uncommon for your mood to take a nose dive.
This case of the blues is temporary and until it passes, there are a few things you can do:
* Exercise as it releases endorphins and these are also conducive to good mood.
* Rewarding yourself with something pleasurable. This triggers the same release of neurotransmitters we mentionned.
* Get outside and get adequate rest as these also affect your mood.
Furthermore, as you quit smoking you can experience an uncomfortable cough. You can start to cough up black/brown mucous. What is happening is that your body's Cilia (which are tiny hair-like particles that line your lungs) are in a healing process.
They are first paralyzed and your body does not want to produce any mucus, therefore a dry cough sets in. As the cilia begin to heal themselves they start to clean all areas of your lungs. This is where you start to cough up all that awful mucus.
These symptoms can last day or weeks after you quit smoking. The healing is a long process of change, even though some of the benefits come more quickly than others. Try drinking more water, herbal tea and even cough drops or candy. Sitting in the bathroom with the shower running or using a humidifier at night may also help to dislodge mucus.
If you have a symptom that persists or seems worse than you expected, you should immediately consult a doctor. Its possible that your smoking has been masking symptoms of some illness, and when you stop smoking the symptoms abruptly become noticeable.
Hope this helps to clarify, hang in there!
Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator
