New publications
Can the lungs recover if you quit smoking?
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.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 long ago, researchers published information that inhaled cigarette smoke can cause problems with the respiratory system and even with brain activity. In addition, cigarettes significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.
Just a few years ago, it was generally accepted that quitting smoking 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 during the study: even the researchers themselves did not expect to see such results.
Previously, specialists 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 genders and different age categories. Among them were smokers, as well as those who had quit the habit. In addition, a group of participants who had never smoked in their lives was collected. Particles of lung tissue were taken from all subjects: the resulting material was examined for cellular mutations.
As a result, modified cells were found in large quantities in practicing smokers. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of such cells contained mutations capable of causing the formation of a cancerous tumor. As the specialists explained, even minor damage to the lung structures can give impetus to the development of a neoplasm.
What did scientists say about the possibility of lung restoration after quitting smoking? It was found that those who quit smoking had lung cells damaged in small quantities - that is, those who quit smoking had 4 times fewer damaged cells than smokers.
How did the lungs manage to recover? The answer to this question has not yet been found. It can be assumed that quitting smoking leads to the launch of active cell division: thus, damaged areas are gradually filled with healthy structures.
Doctors point out that the regeneration mechanism can start at any time, regardless of age. Therefore, it is never too late to give up nicotine addiction. After all, the researchers noted that some of the subjects were considered heavy smokers at one time. However, their lung tissue was practically healthy for several years after smoking their last cigarette.
Experts expressed hope that such information will make many people draw the appropriate conclusions and quit smoking. After all, most smokers believe that their lungs can no longer be restored, so quitting the habit is pointless – but this is not true at all.
The results of the project are presented on the Nature website.