Ex-smokers feel better in 2 weeks
August 7, 2012 2:48PM
Updated: September 9, 2012 6:05AM
Dr. Wallace: I’m 19 and have been smoking for more than five years. I started out sneaking one or two cigarettes at a time from my folks, and now, for the past two years, I’ve been smoking two packs a day. I really want to quit smoking because I have a steady cough and I am starting to have pains in my chest. I don’t think it is cancer, but the cough and this pain are getting to me.
If I stopped smoking when I read your answer to my question in this newspaper, how long would it take me to completely overcome my nicotine habit? I am sick and tired of this cough, and I’ve noticed that my clothing reeks of smoke, so I’m serious about ending this rotten habit!
Tammy, St. Charles, Ill.
Tammy: You are making a wise decision. Not only will you feel better when you stop your smoking habit, but your financial situation will also be greatly improved.
The American Lung Association says that smokers will start feeling better within two weeks of quitting their smoking habit. Also, the black smoke stain attached to the lining of the lungs will be gone in a matter of months. Contact me again in a month and let me know the progress you are making.
Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net
