OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Advice on Lung and Oral Health Issues Linked to Smoking

Greetings! This is my first post here. I'm 18 years old and have been smoking since I was 11, indulging in THC in various forms and using nicotine through vaping, cigarettes, and tobacco wraps. I've been a constant user, with only a brief hiatus of 18 months, but my consumption has surged significantly over the last year. Roughly four months ago, I estimated that I had smoked at least 10 pounds of cannabis flower and around 3 ounces of concentrates, which tend to leave more residue in my lungs. I was going through two disposable nicotine vapes, known as geekbars, each week until about two months ago, where I then cut down to one per week. My health issues began surfacing around August 2024, marked by persistent coughing and the unpleasant experience of expelling dark brown mucus throughout the day. This situation has been bothersome not only to me but perhaps to those around me as well. Prior to this onset, I experienced weekly coughing fits lasting about a week, occurring every month. Since last August, I have consistently coughed up the same dark brown mucus, and I’ve battled bronchitis twice—once in December and then again in February of this year. Growing increasingly frustrated with my ongoing discomfort, I tried Mucinex DM in hopes of alleviating the significant mucous buildup in my lungs, as I had visited urgent care for bronchitis. Unfortunately, Mucinex DM didn’t provide the relief I needed, so I inquired at my local CVS about a more effective treatment. I received advice to switch to regular Mucinex, which contains a higher dosage of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine. Since then, I've been taking one to two Mucinex tablets daily, along with pseudoephedrine every twelve hours. Although it is now June 17th and this regimen seems to have improved my breathing and allowed some mucus to be expelled, the situation is still worsening despite my body getting somewhat used to the medication. Currently, I’m dealing with a particularly bothersome stickiness in my mouth, primarily at the back of my tongue and around my gums, which makes it increasingly difficult to clear my airways. It’s a persistent sensation, and recently, my throat has started to feel raw. I've also noticed an increase in dark brown or even black specks in my mucus, alongside a change in my taste ability—I've had a terrible taste in my mouth, coupled with a strange coating that exacerbates my coughing fits. Moreover, I’ll admit I've been lax about dental hygiene over the past year, but recently it has become crucial to brush my teeth multiple times a day in order to remove that sticky film that accumulates. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has insight into what might be occurring with my oral and respiratory health. Could this be a sign of a more serious condition like COPD, or do I simply need oral care advice for the burning sensation I’m currently experiencing? Any assistance or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Answers (1)

6/18/2025, 5:01:43 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re experiencing a combination of respiratory and oral health issues that may be linked to your history of smoking and vaping. Given your symptoms, it's important to consider both aspects seriously and take measures to improve your overall health and comfort.

Main Points:

• Persistent coughing with dark mucus and oral symptoms may indicate lung irritation, possibly from smoking.
• Ongoing issues with mucus production, a burning sensation in your mouth, and compromised taste should be addressed.

Explanation:

Smoking can significantly affect lung health, leading to chronic bronchitis, increased mucus production, and irritation of the throat and oral cavity. The dark brown mucus you’re seeing may suggest the presence of tar or other particulate matter related to your smoking habits. Coupled with the taste change and burning sensation in your mouth, this can be due to dryness, irritation, or a buildup of residue from smoking.

Next Steps:

1. Hydration: Increase your water intake to help thin mucus and soothe the throat. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate you further.

2. Oral Care:

   • Maintain a strict oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and consider using a tongue scraper to remove residue from your tongue.
   • Rinse your mouth with saltwater (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to alleviate irritation and improve oral comfort.

3. Smoking Cessation: If you have not already, consider fully quitting smoking and vaping. This is the best step for improving lung health and reducing mucus production. Resources like quitlines or local cessation programs can provide support.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, especially any worsening of your cough, changes in the color or amount of mucus, or breathing difficulties. A symptom diary may help clarify your concerns.

5. Seek Medical Advice: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional, such as a pulmonologist or an ENT specialist. They can conduct tests to rule out serious conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other lung issues and provide targeted treatment.

Addressing these health concerns now can significantly improve your comfort and wellbeing. Focus on hydration and oral hygiene as immediate steps, and don’t hesitate to seek professional medical evaluation for a thorough assessment.