Will my lungs recover if I quit smoking?
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Nicotine addiction is one of the most dangerous habits for health. For example, not so long ago, researchers published information that inhaled cigarette smoke can cause problems with the respiratory system, and even with the activity of the brain. In addition, cigarettes significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.
Until a few years ago, it was believed that smoking cessation practically does not lead to the restoration of cells and tissues, and the damage to health does not disappear over time. Recently, scientists have announced new data obtained in the course of the study: such results were not expected to be seen even by the researchers themselves.
Previously, experts have proven that lung cancer processes develop under the influence of substances present in tobacco smoke. These substances force cells to divide chaotically, which contributes to the onset of cancer .
For further experiments, the scientists recruited 16 volunteers of different sexes and different age groups. Among them were people who smoked, as well as those who quit this habit. Additionally, a group of participants was assembled who had never smoked in their lives. Particles of lung tissue were taken from all subjects: the resulting material was examined for cell mutations.
As a result, large quantities of mutated cells were found in practicing smokers. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of such cells contained mutations that could cause the formation of a cancerous tumor. As experts explained, even small damage to the lung structures can give an impetus to the development of a neoplasm.
What did scientists say about the possibility of lung recovery after quitting smoking? It was found that in those who quit the addiction, lung cells were affected in small quantities - that is, those who quit smoking had 4 times less damaged cells than smokers.
How did the lungs manage to recover? This question has not yet been answered. It can be assumed that smoking cessation leads to the launch of active cell division: in this way, the damaged areas are gradually filled with healthy structures.
Doctors pay attention to the fact that the regeneration mechanism is able to start at any time, regardless of age. Therefore, it is never too late to give up nicotine addiction . Indeed, the researchers noted that some of the subjects at one time were considered heavy smokers. However, for several years after smoking their last cigarette, their lung tissue was practically healthy.
The experts expressed the hope that such information will force many people to draw appropriate conclusions and quit smoking. After all, most smokers believe that the lungs cannot be restored, so quitting the habit is pointless - and this is not at all the case.
The results of the project are presented on the Nature website page .