‘Abhi bhi feel kar raha hu’: Shah Rukh Khan opens up about struggle with breathlessness after quitting smoking; experts decode his experience

Khan has previously spoken about his desire to quit smoking and adopt a healthier lifestyle, motivated by his young son, AbRam. At the India Today Conclave in 2017, he shared, “The presence of a little child at the age of 50, it is a good thing. It makes me come alive; it makes me see innocence and love in a different way. Having said that, will I be there to do the same thing I did with my older kids? Yes, that is a worry. So that keeps you smoking less, drinking less, exercising more. I am planning to give up all (smoking, drinking, etc) and try to be healthier and happier.” With his commitment to better health, the focus turns to understanding breathlessness, the common effects of smoking on lung health, and ways to support recovery after quitting.

But why does breathlessness occur after quitting?

According to Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual from Bengaluru, this experience is common. “Long-term smoking causes damage to the lung tissue, including loss of elasticity in the alveoli (tiny air sacs). Even after quitting, the lungs may need significant time to heal,” he explains. 

Dr Vibhu Kawatra, senior consultant pulmonologist at Vibhu Nursing Home, New Delhi, explains, “After quitting, the lungs begin to heal, which can lead to temporary inflammation or sensitivity. This healing process can result in feelings of breathlessness as your body adjusts.”

The good news, however, is that these symptoms are often temporary and signal positive changes. “Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Within a few days, carbon monoxide levels in your blood normalise, allowing more oxygen to reach your tissues,” Dr Kawatra notes.

The healing timeline is encouraging. In the first few weeks, the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) in your airways regain function, helping clear mucus and debris from the lungs. Many notice a decrease in coughing and breathlessness as lung function improves over months.

After quitting, the lungs begin to heal, which can lead to temporary inflammation or sensitivity. (Source: Freepik)

Strategies for relief for those who may experience post-quitting breathlessness

For those experiencing post-quitting breathlessness, Dr Kawatra recommends several strategies:

Lifestyle changes

• Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and easier to clear
• Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants
• Avoid smoke and strong odours that can irritate airways
• Maintain good posture for better lung expansion

Breathing exercises

• Practice diaphragmatic breathing
• Try pursed-lip breathing techniques
• Engage in gentle aerobic activities like walking or swimming
• Consider yoga for combining flexibility and breath control

“Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your activities,” advises Dr Kawatra. “Listen to your body, and rest when needed.”

Dr Hiremath emphasises that the impact of quitting is both immediate and long-term: “Within just 24 hours of quitting, carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease, allowing more oxygen to reach the heart and muscles. By the 2-week to 3-month mark, lung function and circulation improve.

The long-term benefits are substantial. After about 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer drops to about half that of a current smoker. “While heavy smokers may not fully reverse all damage, quitting smoking can lead to significant improvements in health and quality of life,” Dr Kawatra stresses.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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