How long before my lungs start to heal?

Question

I quit smoking 11 days ago.

Answer 1

Just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your blood pressure and
pulse rate drop to normal and the body temperature of your hands and
feet increases to normal."

* "A mere 8 hours after your last smoke, the carbon monoxide level
decreases and the oxygen level in your blood increases to normal."

* "Just 24 hours after your last cigarette, you substantially lessen
your chances of having a heart attack."

* "Two days after your last cigarette, you will notice that your
ability to taste and smell is enhanced."

* "Three days later, your breathing should be noticeably better
because your lung capacity will be greater."

* "Your circulation will improve and your lung functioning will
increase up to 30% within two weeks to three months after quitting."

* "Between one month and nine months, the cilia in your lungs will
regenerate, allowing your body to clean your lungs and reduce
infection."

* "One year after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is
half that of a smoker."

* "Five years after quitting, your risk of stroke is reduced to that
of a nonsmoker."

* "Ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half
that of a continuing smokers. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat,
esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases."

* "Fifteen years after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease
is that of a nonsmokers.

Answer 2

There's some good news. some bad. First of all, get an accurate damage assessment from your doctor. After all, he can do x-rays. You will have some blackened portions in your lungs, similar to coal miners, but at 6 years, they should be relatively small. These will either heal into healthy tissue, or scar tissue in about as many years as you smoked. Your lung capacity is permanently reduced, but you will still be able to hike the mountain trails as well as your buddies in a few years. The bronchitis will recede, but you will have to watch it to make sure that whenever it returns, and it will periodically, it will not develop into something critical. Your taste and smell will return in about 6 months to a year, and your skin will clear up in the long haul. If you want your teeth back in order, you will have to work with a good dentist and periodontist to undo the damage from the ravages of smoking. It's a mixed bag, but if you are young enough, the healing process will work very well. You will never get 100% respiration, but it could come back in the high 90's. Most of all, you will thank your lucky stars, when you're my age, that you stopped in time. Be of good cheer--it could have been much, much worse. and, of course, good luck. B.

Answer 3

7 years

Answer 4

Your lungs begin to heal as soon as you stop smoking. Just don't ever do it again. As time goes by your lungs will become more and more healthy.

Answer 5

My dad stopped smoking cigarettes at age 50, after about 35 yrs. of smoking. That was 20 yrs ago, and he's now enjoying very good health and breathing easy. It took him watching his mother, father and brother losing their lives to emphysema to finally make the decision. It certainly wasn't easy, and all of us in the family suffered through it with him! If you know what I mean, yikes! But I'm glad he did it.

Answer 6

they are ready getting better but you have to be strong and never go back!!