I don't think that this is a post for the 'quit smoking forum', as I have already quit.

But five weeks after quitting my chest is feeling tighter by the day and can feel quite painful at times. Common sense (and google) tells me that it is just a case of my body repairing itself, and also looking to clear out all the crap that has accumulated in my lungs from smoking over the years.

So, is there something available to help my body clear the mucus (and tar) from my lungs quicker?, it is quite unpleasant and would like this part of quitting to be done with as soon as possible.

Thanks.

You need to see a doctor to rule out a serious cardiac (heart) or pulmonary (lung) problem. A basic physical exam, EKG, Chest film and perhaps a stress test.

A tight and painful sensation in the chest is an absolute indication for immediate medical consultation.

IF after you have one you get the all clear, best thing you can do for your lungs is to live where there is no/very little pollution (bye-bye Bangkok!) and get plenty of aerobic exercise which will automatically help inflate your lungs. But don't try the latter until you have had a cardio-pulmonary check-up.

I don't think that this is a post for the 'quit smoking forum', as I have already quit.

But five weeks after quitting my chest is feeling tighter by the day and can feel quite painful at times. Common sense (and google) tells me that it is just a case of my body repairing itself, and also looking to clear out all the crap that has accumulated in my lungs from smoking over the years.

So, is there something available to help my body clear the mucus (and tar) from my lungs quicker?, it is quite unpleasant and would like this part of quitting to be done with as soon as possible.

Thanks.

As Sheryl said, get a check up first.

Thanks for the replies.

Although my symptoms are fairly common amongst heavy smokers who have recently quit. Basically my lungs have just woken up to the fact that that they have been abused for sometime, the tar and phlegm that has built up is beginning to break down and the cilia are beginning the task of repair. The 'pain' sensation is not so much one of tightness (my fault I didn't explain clearer), rather it feels as though somebody has taken a scrubbing brush to the inside of my lungs.

I was hoping that there may be something on the market that might speed up the process of the phlegm/tar/mucus being broken down and ejected, apparently it can take some time for some people.

Having said that, I do understand that you are more qualified than I in such matters Sheryl and so your advice has been taken onboard.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the replies.

Although my symptoms are fairly common amongst heavy smokers who have recently quit. Basically my lungs have just woken up to the fact that that they have been abused for sometime, the tar and phlegm that has built up is beginning to break down and the cilia are beginning the task of repair. The 'pain' sensation is not so much one of tightness (my fault I didn't explain clearer), rather it feels as though somebody has taken a scrubbing brush to the inside of my lungs.

I was hoping that there may be something on the market that might speed up the process of the phlegm/tar/mucus being broken down and ejected, apparently it can take some time for some people.

Having said that, I do understand that you are more qualified than I in such matters Sheryl and so your advice has been taken onboard.

Thanks again.

Are you fit? Is this an infection? I smoked for years and years but never had anything like this. Good move giving up. I too think you need a check up and don't agree with your explanation. I doubt it's serious too.

Acetylsystine I think, is an anti oxident advised for this sort of thing.