Can the lungs really recover from too many years of smoking?

Question

I don't know how all the build up of tar and other poisons can be eliminated. Is there any medical data that suggests that the lungs can recover?. Do it really makes sense to stop smoking if the damage is irreversible. Lungs are not like bones, that can be can fixed.

Answer 1

The sooner you quit, the better. I thought as you do a few years ago. I now have COPD and I would not wish it on anyone. It is a terrible disease and a slow death. Once you have COPD you can slow the damage down but you cannot reverse it, IF YOU QUIT SMOKING. If you continue to smoke after you have been diagnosed it is an ugly way to die. I did quit.

It is not the "quanity" of life you live, but the "quality" of life. I now understand what that means. And I understand, "all the money in the world will not make you happy if you don't have your health."

I think it is truly a sad thing that so many people die every year from something that is available over the counter. They have finally admitted it is an addiction and not "just a habit". My doctor says nicotine is the most addicting drug on the market. And children can purchase it........I find something very wrong with that.
I am dying and I still crave a cigarette. YES! If I had quit when they told me to my lungs still had a chance and could have regenerated because I didn't have the COPD yet.

I would not even tell you to quit. It doesn't do any good. When you are ready, you will toss them. If you don't get ready then some day you will pull around an oxygen tank and won't be able to breathe. We all make our own choices.

Answer 2

From what I understand, the lungs do start to regenerate cells as soon as the smoking stops. However, once scar tissue develops, the damage is irreversible. It is a good idea to stop smoking early,before the scar tissue develops or gets larger in mass. I am a smoker and I have found it very hard to stop. I know it sounds ridiculous....but it is really hard for me. I do understand the risks, but I honestly don't think twice before lighting up. It is almost like mindless habit or addiction.
It does make sense to stop, even if you know that a problem has developed. Maybe stopping can reduce the further damage.
I wish you and myself luck on this stupid habit!!!

Answer 3

It makes TONS of sense to stop!! Your body will always keep trying to repair itself. Even if most of the damage is done, you will still feel better. I smoked over 2 packs a day for 21 years and felt a lot better after I quit. When I wake up in the morning, I don't feel like I'm choking on all that tar and other poisons I inhaled the night before. It's never too late to make a healthy change.

Answer 4

Your right they are not bones, however your lungs are made of tissue and the tissue in your body does repair itself. It is medical proven that over a period of time by not smoking your lungs will improve. Is it worth it, I think so. But I'm also a smoker and saying it is easier than stopping. After working in medicine for 13 years and seeing the damage done by smoking you would think I would stop. There are all kinds of websites out there that show the effects of smoking and stop smoking. I hope this answers your question.

Answer 5

Well it depends when/why you quit. If you have aleardy been diagnosed with lung disease, COPD, emphesema,..etc... quitting will help, but may not reverse the damage.

HOWEVER if you quit before any serious damage starts you can do wonders for youself. My mother was 2 pack a day smoker for over 30 years, she quit about 20 years ago. She is now 75, and in good health. My dad quit as well about 25 years ago.

I have had other family members die in their 50's from lung cancer and COPD. They did not quit and were literally smoking on their death bed.
You should QUIT..good luck.

Answer 6

Not entirely, but if a smoker quits for a very long time (probably many years) then his/her lungs will start to heal, and eventually they will have the same risk of getting cancer or other disorders caused by smoking as a nonsmoker does.

Answer 7

I have seen some sources claim that lungs can return to normal, i.e. those of a non-smoker, but it takes between 15 and 20 years to happen.

Answer 8

Absolutely!!! There is nothing better for you than quitting. Your lungs will improve regardless if you've only smoked a day or have COPD.

Answer 9

It absolutely makes sense, I read that lungs definetly can heal and every year that you have stopped smoking, makes them even healthier.

http://www.4healthconcerns.com/lungcancer/smoking-and-lung-cancer.html

Answer 10

They never fully repair themselves but they do rebuild some of the damaged tissue ♥