The airways are lined with tiny, hair-like cells called cilia. Their primary function is to push mucus, along with dust, bacteria, and airborne toxins, towards the throat. This prevents these harmful substances from penetrating deep into the lungs.

However, certain chemicals in cigarette smoke, such as formaldehyde, can damage or paralyze these delicate cilia, significantly impairing their effectiveness. As a result, toxins easily bypass these defenses, accumulate in the lungs, and cause inflammation. Over time, these lingering toxins and chemicals inflict damage on sensitive lung tissues, including DNA, which can ultimately lead to lung cancer.

When you sleep and are not exposed to cigarette smoke, the cilia can begin a repair process. They work to trap and remove the toxins accumulated throughout the day. This repair effort often leads to increased coughing upon waking, as the body attempts to expel these toxins.

Identifying a smoker's cough

A smoker's cough, like any cough, is a reflex that forcefully expels air to clear irritants or mucus from the airways (bronchi and bronchioles). However, a smoker's cough often presents with specific characteristics:

• It can last longer than two or three weeks.
• It may produce a wheezing or crackling sound.
• It may be productive, meaning it produces mucus. Sometimes, the cough can be dry (without phlegm) in the initial stages or for those who have recently quit smoking.
• The cough is often worse upon waking and tends to lessen throughout the day.

Distinguishing a simple smoker's cough from one caused by lung cancer can be challenging. Coughing up blood is the strongest indicator of lung cancer, though only a small percentage of patients experience this symptom. Even if only a small amount of blood is coughed up, immediate medical attention is necessary, as blood can be aspirated into the lungs.

Other symptoms that may suggest lung cancer include:

• Hoarseness lasting more than a few days, unrelated to common cold symptoms.
• Wheezing.
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Pain during breathing, which may suggest pleural damage.
• Pain in the upper body, especially in the lungs, shoulders, between the shoulder blades, or back.

Individuals who currently smoke or have a history of smoking and experience a chronic cough should see a doctor for examination. This is especially important if the cough increases in frequency, causes discomfort, or produces unusual sounds.

Treatment methods

To alleviate a smoker's cough, the most effective method is to quit smoking entirely. Consult a doctor for advice on effective smoking cessation methods.

Some people experience an increased cough after quitting smoking, commonly known as a "quitting cough." This occurs because when smoking stops, the cilia in the airways begin to recover and function more effectively, helping to expel accumulated impurities. This temporary condition typically subsides within about three months.

Coughing not only helps clear substances introduced by smoking but also removes environmental irritants like mold, cooking smoke, or chemicals. Instead of suppressing it completely, you can soothe a cough using the following methods:

• Drink enough water daily to help thin respiratory secretions.
• Gargle, preferably with warm salt water.
• Suck on lozenges to soothe your throat.
• Drink honey, but do not give it to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
• Inhale peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils: Place fresh leaves of either herb into a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and lean close enough to the bowl to inhale.
• Elevate your head while sleeping to prevent mucus accumulation in your throat.
• Exercise helps you breathe deeper and faster, thinning phlegm.
• Eat a healthy diet, especially fruits and green vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, which can help boost lung health. Some studies suggest they are rich in antioxidants, potentially helping to reduce the harm from smoke and contributing to a lower risk of lung cancer.

By Anh Ngoc (Source: Verywell Health)