How to Deal with Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
You are going to experience both physical and psychological symptoms caused by the withdrawal from
nicotine when you attempt to quit smoking. Some of these symptoms such as the normalized heart rate and
the fresher breath are beneficial and pleasant. However, there are many others that can cause you considerable
discomfort and urge you to light up a cigarette. It is important to overcome these problems effectively so that you
stay on the right track.
It is normal to experience tingling in your fingers and toes during the first few days after
you quit smoking. This symptom is not serious, but can be annoying. The best way to overcome it is to perform mild
exercise. Stretching your hands and legs should help as well. In general, exercise is good for you as it will help
you resist tobacco cravings.
Cough and sore throat are common symptoms associated with quitting smoking. They usually appear
24 to 48 hours after your last cigarette. These symptoms are caused by the natural reaction of your body to the
lack of nicotine and carbon monoxide. Through coughing, mucus and debris are eliminated from your lungs.
You can stimulate the clearing of your lungs and ease the cough by breathing warm humid air. You can place a
humidifier in your room. You can stay in the shower for longer to inhale the warm steam. If these
things do not work and the coughing is persistent, you should call your doctor and get a prescription medication
that will help you clear your lungs and get rid of the discomfort. You can drink warm tea to ease the pain in the
throat and/or use lozenges specifically designed for the purpose.
The emotional nicotine withdrawal symptoms are the most serious and pose the highest risk of relapsing. These
include anxiety, irritability, restlessness and low mood which can progress into depression. The
symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after you have begun the process of quitting smoking.
There are different ways in which you can cope with these symptoms. Reducing stress, engaging in enjoyable
activities and getting support from family and friends are among the main things that you should do. Try to be easy
on yourself and avoid worrying about petty issues. Try to stay away from things that can make the symptoms worse
such as coffee and alcohol. It is best not to use medications unless it is absolutely necessary.
The nicotine withdrawal symptoms can be overcome more easily if you are determined and highly motivated
to quit smoking for good.
|