What are the chances of detection of smoking in a chest x-ray?

Not easy: Most smokers will have normal looking lungs on a plane chest x-ray. Heavy smokers develop bronchitis and emphysema which does produce over inflated lungs, seen on a chest x-ray which can make us suspect smoking as the most common cause. Yet this is not the best test for this diagnosis.

Not very high: A chest radiograph does not tell if someone is smoking. It can tell the doctor if someone has inevitable side effects from smoking such as pneumonia, heart disease and lung cancer. But, smoke does not show up on an x-ray. You are young and the best thing you can do for your health is never to smoke.

Dirty lungs?: Usually smoking appears on chest radiograph as prominent central markings which can also be seen in viral infection, reactive airway disease, and inhaling polutants.Interstitial markings or small lines in lungs more prominent.Sometimes overaeration or emphysema can be secondary finding of chronic smoking.

Unless you have: developed some of the longer term complications of smoking(e.g. COPD/emphysema), the chest x-ray will probably look normal.