Why might you cough more when you first quit smoking?

Ciliary system regeneration

The cilia system of the lungs helps filter dust and dirt from the air before it enters the lungs. It also helps clear mucus from your lungs.

Cilia system of the lungs. Photo Internet

Cilia begin to grow back and resume normal function very quickly after quitting smoking. They are one of the first things in your body to heal. Sometimes people notice that they cough more than usual when they first quit smoking. This is a sign that the cilia are growing back.

Stop lung damage

Lung scarring from smoking cannot be repaired or reversed. That is why you must stop smoking before you cause permanent damage to your lungs. Within two weeks of quitting, you may notice that walking up stairs becomes easier. Signs of shortness of breath, chest pain, and shortness of breath will disappear when you quit smoking.

You'll breathe easier and cough less when you quit smoking because lung function improves by up to 10% within nine months.

Prevent emphysema

Emphysema is caused primarily by smoking, and is one of the most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Symptoms include chronic shortness of breath, fatigue, pale skin, and a weakened immune system. There is no cure for emphysema. However, quitting smoking when you are young can help prevent the disease.