Question 1

i was wondering about lung damage brought on by smoking, 10 a day, started at 17, quit at 21. i vigorously exercise now, will lungs completely heal?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Any damage done by smoking 10 cigs a day for 4 years is likely to heal completely over time. Congratulations on stopping! 
see http://whyquit.Com/whyquit/a_benefits_time_table.Html
for a timetable of how your body heals.

Question 2

if you damage your lungs by smoking, will it always stay damaged even if you quit?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No: Smoking does permanently damage your lungs.  If you have smoked > 100 cigarettes in your lifetime, your risk of cancer goes up.  However, if you quit smoking, emphysema worsens at a slower rate, and your risk of lung cancer goes down (though not to normal).

Question 3

does smoking always affect your lungs?

Accepted Answer

To some extent yes: but not everyone does significant or permanent damage to their lungs.  There are genetic differences in the production of certain enzymes that protect the lungs from proteolytic proteins that are increased by smoking and air pollution, where some people get lots of damage with exposure, and other people get much less, or even sometimes none. Most people get some damage somewhere- heart, cancer etc

Question 4

is smoking harmful to everyone's lungs?

Accepted Answer

COPD, cough, cancer: The smoke and hundreds of other constituents that make up cigarettes damage your airways, the lining of your airways, and can destroy the tiny air sacs (alveoli) that help you get oxygen in your body and co2 out. This leads to chronic bronchitis and emphysema (these two diseases are lumped under the category of copd).  Finally, smoking greatly increases your risk of lung cancer.

Question 5

how does smoking really affect the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Very negatively!: Smoking kills the hair cells (cilia) that sweep mucus from the lungs, deposits tar that turns lungs from pinkish to black, causes inflammation that damages the delicate membranes of the lung causing asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and harms immune cells making the lungs more prone to infection. The chemicals in tobacco damage the genetic material (dna) in your lungs causing cancer.

Question 6

what does hubbly smoking do to your lungs?

Accepted Answer

Being around: Second hand smoke can be harmful to others, especially if someone already has a breathing problem.  Today there is talk of third had smoke, i.e., smoke residue getting on items in the home.  Please don&#x27;t get paranoid but ask your husband to smoke outdoors and have him do his own laundry if he won&#x27;t stop smoking because it will stink.  Peace and good health.

Question 7

will my lungs heal after stopping smoking?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Most of the time after six months or so the lungs basically go back to normal.  Emphysema, however, represents permanent damage to the lungs.

Question 8

is smoking the only thing that damages my lungs?

Accepted Answer

No: Anything which can cause persistent irritation, or infection can eventually lead to scarring and reduced lung function.   Smoking is far away the most common cause of COPD and reduced lung function.   I don't know what is even a close second?  Asthma?  ..

Question 9

is smoking a pipe considered bad for your lungs?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Spray saline into your nostrils frequently to flush out allergens and irritants. You will get the best care in a long term relationship with a provider who knows you over time. Discuss this with that provider.

Question 10

what should i do to repair my lungs from smoking?

Accepted Answer

Continue not smoking: You definitely will want to stay abstinent from cigarettes, each exposure could catalyze inflammatory and remodeling at the tissue level that could lend itself to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or chronic bronchitis of a worse severity.  Staying physically active within a reasonable extent is not going to hurt either, and a sensible diet is important.  Stay safe!

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Doctor answers about:

Lungs damaged by smoking

A member asked:

I was wondering about lung damage brought on by smoking, 10 a day, started at 17, quit at 21. i vigorously exercise now, will lungs completely heal?

A member asked:

If you damage your lungs by smoking, will it always stay damaged even if you quit?

A member asked:

Does smoking always affect your lungs?

A member asked:

Is smoking harmful to everyone's lungs?

A member asked:

How does smoking really affect the lungs?

A member asked:

What does hubbly smoking do to your lungs?

A member asked:

Will my lungs heal after stopping smoking?

A member asked:

Is smoking the only thing that damages my lungs?

A member asked:

Is smoking a pipe considered bad for your lungs?

A member asked:

What should i do to repair my lungs from smoking?

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