A member asked:

If you smoked as a teen and quit by age 23, do the lungs ever totally heal? i hear so many conflicting things, i would really like to know the truth!

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Robert Killian answered

Specializes in General Practice

The Lung Heals: It is thought that in this scenario after five years the lungs have returned to fully normal functioning.

Answered 10/2/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Amrita Dosanjh answered

Specializes in Pediatric Allergy and Asthma

Long term follow up: Smoking for a number of years unfortunately does have long term potential consequences. If you notice any respiratory symptoms such as a prolonged cough, blood tinged sputum, weight loss, fevers or chest pain, please see your doctor. A chest radiograph is usually one of the first initial test after a complete history and physical exam.

Answered 7/14/2014

3.9k views

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