Nicotine gum

[Debser]

Hi I am an ex smoker of 10 years diagnosed with emphysema 2 years ago. I am 44. My question is about nicotine gum. About ten months ago, my husband started chewing nicotine gum in an attempt to stop smoking. at his suggestion I tried a piece, which as an ex smoker was a big mistake, I now swipe pieces from him regularly. My question is is this damaging for emphysema? It never occurred to me that it might be...but now I wonder what I might be doing to myself. Also, could nicotine gum be the cause for feeling that my circulation is diminishing? Always feel like my hands are falling asleep lately. I am stopping chewing gum as of this evening but just wanted to know what the repercussions of my actions might be.
Thanks

[National Jewish Health]

You are right to be concerned.  You should try to wean yourself off the nicotine gum.  It is not damaging to your lungs but is not good for your circulatory system.

You are rather young to have emphysema, having quit smoking in your mid-thirties.  This early onset raises the question of an inherited form of emphysema called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.  You might want to ask your doctor to do a blood test for this, especially if there is any family history of emphysema occurring in young people.