Will my lungs heal after quiting smoking

[kylet1990]

Hi, I smoked for 7 years from age 16 to 23 I've now been quit for 2 months using nrt. I'm wondering what's the chances of my lungs having permanent damage? And is there anything I can do to help my body heal from the effects of smoking? Thanks

[AlexisFords]

You have to see a doctor first and make some test to know if how much damage cigarette gas given you. But don't think negative first, I'm sure you'll heal as there are some medical process nowadays to get rid of cigarette smoking effect in the body. Start eating healthy food, exercise and do more physical activities like joining into sports. Be with people who can inspire you as well to be healthy and leave that smoking habit of yours.

[Kagodsg]

I agree with everyone!  Focus on the positive, exercise, enjoy your freedom from smoking, know that you won't be doing more damage, enjoy being able to breath better!

[kylet1990]

My grandmother actually has copd at age 76 recently diagnosed, she never smoked but worked in a bingo hall for over 40 years so passive smoking caused hers. My other grandmother also died of lung cancer at age 57 because of smoking. I'm still of the cigarettes and feel much better in myself, I'm going on 4 months now. I've been using an electronic cigarette which is helping me alot! I understand there is some contreversy on these but the way I see it is they can't possiblying be as bad as smoking tobacco. I understand how you feel my grandmother struggled to quit even up to the point when she had lung cancer, I assure you even though you have smoked a long time and have been diagnosed with copd and emphysema recently the best thing you can possibly do is quit smoking. Yes it is hard but you have this massive incentice the decision to quit could add many years onto your life. Having a grandmother with copd I know the beat thing you can do is through the cigs away and keep active as much as you can. You'd be suprised how much it helps.

[Jinx_777]

congrats on making the best decision you will ever make.  

the most important advice i can give you is - NEVER under any circumstances ever even take one puff of a cig.  i would avoid drinking if at all possible because that is when we make dumb decisions and once you take that one puff you will be right back at square one.

7 years is not that long, but honestly sometimes it doesn't take that many years to damage your lungs.  if you have a family history of COPD or lung cancer then that increases your chances of damage, but honestly, i think if you stay away from cigs for the rest of your life you will be fine.

i have smoked for 42 yrs and i am 47.  i already have COPD and emphysema.  both irreversible.  i want to quit so bad. friday i go for testing to find out exactly what stage it is in and i am SCARED.  I am going to try even harder to stop this week.  i may become the 1 st person to ever have to go to rehab for cigs. lol

[kylet1990]

Thanks for that. My concern was that I've quit to late for my lungs to completely heal.

[caregiver222]

There is really  no "standard" non-invasive method of measuring accumulative tissue damage, but I would remain optimistic. An x-ray or an MRI, may, of course show evidence of severe damage, but not damage below a certain threshold.  

[kylet1990]

Does that go of the amount smoked or is there no way of telling if permanent damage has been done? Thanks for your reply

[caregiver222]

The answer is "yes", there will be some healing. New cells are constantly being produced to replace old cells. That being said, a lot depends on the cumulative damage. There is a threshold of damage, and beyond that the chances of repair diminish.