i quit 6 weeks ago, all of a sudden, i'm coughing up mucous. this happened all of a sudden

[jsalrot]

i quit smoking 6 weeks ago.  my lungs have been able to breathe much better all of that time, no problems, no coughing, now, all of a sudden, like within the span of two days, my lungs are bringing up junk.  i went and got some mucinex the expotorant and cough suppressant type, and i can feel gunk, just coming up my lungs, its not helping and i've taken 4 of those today, should i use cough syrup ?  is this normal ?  the mucinex isn't putting an end to the stuff coming up.  its a raspy type of coming up with mucous none of it reaches my mouth, but despite me having quit 6 weeks ago, its just giving me a hard time, all within the time span of maybe 2-3 days.  

is it possible i have cancer ?  i started smoking at the age of 21 smoked a pack a day, i am 36 now.  what alarms me is these symptoms are all of a sudden.  i've not had a puff, and my lungs haven't been like this, up until just a few days ago.  

thank you

[Jade59]

Hi,

Congrats on your quit!  6wks, that's great!  What you're describing sounds more like you may be getting a cold or the flu.  When we catch a virus, we can feel perfectly fine in the morning, but be very sick by noon.  It sounds to me like may have just caught a bug and it's started in your chest.  Try not to worry, let a few days go by then see how you feel.  

I really don't think you have cancer, but if you're terribly worried, go ahead and make an appt with your doctor just to ease your mind.

Best of luck to you!

[mr.lucky66]

it is probably the cilia in your throat coming back to life. I had a similar problem at about the same time after I quit. I doubt you have cancer.

[angelnichole620]

my boyfriend had quit smoking before and when he started coughing shortly after i was really concerned. he's not the type to go to doctors so while i was at my doctor for a check up i just asked if it was normal for someone to do that? she of course said she couldn't give a diagnosis or anything but she said it is usual for the cilia (the little hair like things in your throat) to sort of come to life.. when smoking the tar and what not in the smoke you inhale pretty much paralyze the cilia so after you stop your cilia start moving again.. which can cause of type of tickle in your throat...as well as in your lungs.. you have them there too.... hope this helps. :)

[desperatetostop]

from what I understand and what a doctor told me the last time I quit is that it is very normal to begin bringing up and coughing up alot of mucus between the 4th and 6th week.
sounds pretty normal to me.
she also suggested no cough suppressent...just cough it up and get it out (unless you can't sleep, then take it at night time)