Smoke Cessation and Sputum?

Smoke Cessation and Sputum?I have been smoke-free for about 5 months now, and have recently began to feel a lot better.
I don't cough anymore and can actually run in place without being quickly fatigued.
I smoked for about 4-5 years, 1-1.5 packs a day [20-30 cigarettes].
My problem is that I have been feeling like my chest is a little congested.
Then I force myself to cough/clear my throat and I end up Coughing up yellow mucopurulent sputum. It is sometimes difficult to clear it from my airway!
It is usually around the size of a dime and very sticky and thick.
I sometimes get choked on it!
Do you have any advice on the subject?
Is this normal after smoking cessation?
It only occurs one to two times a day, and sometimes is thick and white!
Also, sometimes after I cough it up, I feel dizzy and physically sick for a short while.

And yes, before any of you say "it is normal to cough up sputum after smoking cessation, because your lungs are healing and forcing out the gunk and tar build up" I know that.

I just want some insight on my lung healing process.
Maybe from an ex-smoker, or a person in the medical field who can give me a well-thought-out and intelligent answer.

Thanks in advance.

Taylor
Well I am an ex-smoker and I am in the medical field so I'll give it my best shot. You are right that it is in fact normal to cough up sputum after smoking and yes your lungs are healing. I smoked for about the same amount of time as you did and I haven't had a cigarette in about 3 months. I am still coughing and I have been exercising which of course helps agonize the healing process. Most people think that when they quit smoking that they will cough for a little while and then everything will be fine. Well the truth is that it takes many months and even years. It might seem weird that you are now all of sudden coughing this up but it can be speratic. You never really know when your lungs are going to start cleansing themselves again. My advice is to just stick it out. Plenty of water intake and vitamin A have be shown to increase the rate of recovery. Stick to it. You're doing a great job and don't let this hold you back! I hope this helps!

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