How long does cilia damage last after smoking?

Question

I am trying to get a friend to stop smoking marijuana because he has asthma but he says it only affects him for a few days and then hes back to normal, but I know that smoke burns and destroys important cilia in your throat, and this damage can last a long time. He says its only like that for cigarettes because they have tar in them but im sure it lasts longer than a few days no matter what. How long does the damage actually last, with and without tar?

Answer 1

some of the damage is permanent

Answer 2

The cilia line the trachea, bronchus, bronchioles in the lungs. Actually pot does more damage to the lungs than cigarettes do, simply due to the fact that one inhales deeper and holds it in. It takes about 10 years for the lungs to completely heal from smoking providing permanent damage hasn't already been done. The cilia should repair in a year or so. The problem with your friend is the pot is causing an allergic reaction and that is why he thinks it only takes a few days to get back to normal. It is taking his body that long to get the pot out of his system. You might want to remind your friend that pot is still illegal.

Answer 3

The airway is constantly renewing itself. You shed the damaged cells and new cells replace them, including cilia. In school we were told that is takes about 7 years for your airway to completely replace itself with new, healthy tissue. Any introduction of a toxin to the body, including any kind of smoking or chemical exposure, will damage the lining of the airways. Although the immediate symptoms may pass quickly, the lasting effects are there.

Answer 4

Actually, cilia in the lungs begin to recover within 24 hours after the last cigarette. Other damage, however, is more complete and far more long-lasting.

Answer 5

LOL pot smoke has tar too. Tobacco is not unique in tar production, I'm certain it's in anything organic you could smoke.

Plus, alot of times pot smoke is very hot, and is inhaled faster and straight in, compared to drawing smoke into the mouth with cigarettes.

But pot smoking is probably better than cigarettes, you typically smoke less and they aren't treated with so many chemicals.