Lump in Throat...cold or cancer??

[shortee]

I am a 24 year old female who is a light smoker (5-10 cigs a day)  I recently had a cold which caused a very hard, barking cough. The cold has been gone now for a week, but I still have a slight cough. The problem is that I feel like I have a lump in my throat, like if I were about to cry.  It started about 3 days ago, and sometimes goes away. I don't have problems swallowing, and my voice sound clear. Should I be worried? Or is this a product of a harsh cough? Please responsd ASAP!!!

[National Jewish]

You probably have a viral upper respiratory infection but your cough is most likely also related to your smoking.  Generally a cough caused by a cold lasts for several weeks. Smoking is a common cause of cough, especially if it persists.  If this cough lasts longer than 30 days you should have a good evaluation that includes a chest x-ray.   No matter what, you should quit smoking.  Now would be a good time.  You may want to look at our Quit Smoking Topic Center at http://www.nationaljewish.org/topic/smoking_cessation.html for ways to help you to quit smoking.  Also check with your doctor for other quit smoking resources in your area.