Hi howard, I quit 12 years`ago and have noticed the same as you. I have a hoarseness occasionally and clearing my throat helps sometimes but not always. My doctor just looked at me like I was making it up.
I have no clue but I do know that whatever it is , it cannot kill ya!

Thanks jophil28, it wouldn't be that much of a problem except that i'm a singer and that was one reason I quit to clear up my voice. On pass times of quitting I would notice in a few months that my voice would clear up. I'm still waiting.
Could this have anything to do with acid reflux? I have had noticable indigestions and heartburn.

Howard I am sending you some info tonight - regards, john.

hi ive been off the ciggies 3 days now been a smoker for 20 years and tried many times to quit.
im starting to find my throat filling with phlegm and i have a slight cough which they say is normal. i should never have started the filthy habit feel my last 20 years could have been put to better use other than been held prisoner by cigarettes. reading various peoples comments and id just like to say thanks for any advice.

Your body is getting rid of all the inflammation that was in your lungs due to smoking. You will cough up brown/gray mucous for a little while until it all clears out of your lungs. The time it takes can vary depending upon how much you smoked and for how long. Acid indigestion can cause a cough if you have the symptoms often and your throat is irritated but not usually phlegm. The acid will dissolve any mucous that is there anyway. Drink a lot of water to thin the secretions out, for singers there is a product called slippery elm and it comes in lozenges, can be found in a health food store, it is basically aspirin that comes from tree bark. Many opera singers use it to reduce inflammation in the vocal chords and preserve their voice.

Your body will take time to heal itself and consider the fact that smoking causes your cells in your lungs to change from epithelial cells (that can secrete mucous and have little hairs) to squamous cells that are basically scar tissue. If you have the squamous cells already it will be harder for the lungs to clear out the mucous and it will take longer. Good luck!