Smoker’s cough: all you need to know
Having a persistent cough can be caused by smoking. But what causes a smoker’s cough, how can you get rid of it and is there any reason to worry? Here I’ll answer some of the most common questions about smoker’s cough.
What is a smoker’s cough?
A smoker’s cough is a chronic cough (one you’ve had a long time), which people often get if they smoke. A smoker’s cough tends to be ‘phlegmy’ rather than dry. You might cough up mucus. People with a smoker’s cough often have wheezing too.
When to seek help for a cough
Always pay attention to a new or different cough – it may be caused by something other than smoking. Sometimes coughs can be signs of respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, or notice a change in an existing cough, contact a GP. You should also see a GP urgently if you’re coughing up blood.
In some cases, a cough can be a sign of lung cancer – particularly if you smoke or used to smoke. A GP will be able to assess whether your cough could be due to more serious causes.
What causes a smoker’s cough?
Chemicals you inhale when smoking can cause inflammation and changes in your airways. Smoking damages the small hairs (cilia) which line your airways and usually help to keep them clear. Smoking also causes your airways to produce more mucus than normal.
Coughing is your body’s natural way to overcome these changes.
How serious is a smoker’s cough?
A smoker’s cough can be a temporary reaction to smoking, which clears up quite quickly when you don’t smoke. But it can also be the first sign of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a common, progressive lung condition, often associated with smoking. COPD can lead to symptoms such as breathlessness, which get worse over time. It can’t be cured, but you can manage the symptoms.
What’s the best way to deal with a smoker’s cough?
The best thing you can do if you have a smoker’s cough is to give up smoking. Coughing often improves within a month of giving up (although it can get worse initially, as all the mucus in your lungs is cleared out). It can eventually disappear completely.
If you don’t quit, reducing how much you smoke may also help.
Some people try different home remedies for managing a smoker’s cough. These include:
- honey
- the herbal medicine perlagonium
- over the counter cough medicines
- sipping water
- warm drinks
- sucking lozenges
You could try these to see if they ease your symptoms. But if you continue to smoke, they won’t get rid of your cough.
If you have symptoms of COPD, your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms. These usually include inhalers – sometimes containing more than one medicine – to open up your airways. You may also be given mucolytics to break down phlegm.
Support with stopping smoking
Stopping smoking can reduce your risk of many health conditions, including heart disease and certain cancers, as well as COPD. You can access local stop smoking services through the NHS. They can give you free advice and support to help you stop smoking.
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Sources Sources
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