Kicking a habit like smoking can trigger certain withdrawal symptoms initially. In such cases, being aware of the effects of nicotine cessation can help one be better prepared. Besides cravings and anxiety, quitting smoking can also cause one to experience flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, nausea and headaches, say experts. This represents the body’s response to the abrupt change, as it readjusts to functioning without the constant influx of nicotine. While the discomfort can be testing, it’s a positive sign which indicates that the body is trying to heal and adapt to a healthier state.
What is smoker’s flu?
“The withdrawal symptoms of nicotine can resemble those of a regular flu, which is why it is colloquially referred to as smoker’s flu or quitter’s flu,” says Dr Sachin Kumar, senior consultant, pulmonology and critical care medicine, Sakra World Hospital, Bangalore.
These symptoms can appear a few days after quitting and can last from a few weeks to a month, he adds.
Symptoms of smoker’s flu
According to experts, some common symptoms of smoker’s flu include:
- Fever
- Headaches, cough and a runny nose
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritation
- Anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Poor concentration
- Rage issues
- Postnasal drip
- Constipation
- An increased urge to smoke
- Sleep disruptions
However, Dr Kumar says not everyone who quits smoking will develop the same set of symptoms. “Some may not even experience any flu-like symptoms,” he notes.
He further explains that the intensity and frequency of the symptoms may also depend on the individual’s smoking history, which includes how long they have been smoking, how many times they smoke per day and their baseline psychological status.
“For instance, the symptoms may be more intense for those who were anxious even before quitting. In addition, those who smoke substances like marijuana are more likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms,” explains Dr Kumar.
A common symptom that a lot of people experience is abdominal discomfort, says Dr Viswesvaran Balasubramanian, consultant, interventional pulmonology and sleep medicine, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. “Another common symptom is the increased craving to smoke. Once the nicotine levels in their body decrease, they start craving more,” he adds.
“People who are severely addicted to smoking can experience many of these symptoms. They feel more anxious, moody or dull after quitting, as tobacco is a stimulant,” says Dr Johnson Pradeep, professor and HOD, psychiatry, St John’s Medical College, Bangalore. Many experience a feeling of loss and lethargy, finding it difficult to focus or concentrate on things, he adds.
How to manage smoker’s flu?
Sobin Varghese (36), a resident of Kerala who smoked for more than a decade before quitting in 2022, says the important thing to keep in mind is that “It does get better” and the craving to smoke will go away eventually. “In the meantime, keep yourself engaged. For me, physical activities such as going for a walk or a jog whenever I craved a cigarette worked. I also used meditation and sleep apps to help with the insomnia,” he adds.
Doctors suggest some measures to manage the symptoms and cravings during the initial stages of nicotine withdrawal, which include:
♦ Medication: Dr Kumar says some of the symptoms can be treated with medication, such as cough syrups or lozenges for cough and throat irritation. However, smoker’s flu can be addressed by some psychological methods as well.
♦ Awareness and reassurance: One basic way to manage the symptoms is through reassurance, says Dr Kumar. “It’s essential to make the person aware that the symptoms they’re experiencing are expected. This, combined with counseling can provide mental strength to those experiencing the symptoms,” says Dr Kumar.
“In addition, people should be made aware of how smoking not only harms them, but also their families. Individuals usually tend to smoke in groups. So, it’s important to spread this message among their colleagues and friends as well,” says Dr Kumar.
Besides cautioning people about the perils of smoking, they must also be informed about the benefits of quitting the addiction, says Dr Balasubramanian.
Varghese acknowledges that the benefits of quitting smoking will outweigh the temporary struggle faced due to these symptoms.
♦ Nicotine replacement therapies: According to Dr Kumar, nicotine replacement therapies can also help. “Sometimes, vaping is projected as a pathway to recovery or deaddiction. However, it’s not safe. The safer options include nicotine patches and chewing gums, among others,” he notes.
In addition, he recommends that those addicted should enrol in a deaddiction counseling center to ensure they don’t slip back into old habits. “Down the line, deep breathing exercises and certain types of pulmonary rehabilitation can also help,” he says.
Dr Pradeep, who also heads the division of mental health and neurosciences at St John’s Research Institute, Bangalore, says the treatment depends on the severity of the addiction. “People who are severely addicted may require pharmacological treatment, while those with a milder addiction can be prescribed nicotine supplementation,” he explains.
♦ Societal or familial support: Once someone quits smoking, family and societal support become crucial to ensure they don’t relapse, says Dr Kumar.
Takeaways
- Smoker’s flu refers to a condition where the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine resemble those of a regular flu.
- The intensity and frequency of the symptoms can depend on the individual’s smoking history, which includes how long they have been smoking, how many times they smoke per day and their baseline psychological status.
- Medication, awareness and reassurance, nicotine replacement therapies and family support can help people cope with the symptoms of smoker’s flu.
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