The lungs begin to heal immediately after you stop smoking. Therefore, quitting sooner or later can lead to better overall health.
Quitting smoking is one of the smartest things you can do to improve your overall health. Your lungs begin to heal immediately once you stop smoking. But how long it takes for the lungs to heal is different for everyone.
October is the month of healthy lungs. During this month it is important to recognize this and bring it to your attentionthe importance of lung healthand the steps you can take to reduce your risk of lung disease and cancer.
Keep reading to learn more about how quickly your lungs can heal after you quit smoking.
How does smoking affect the lungs?
Your lungs are responsible for delivering oxygen to your entire body. Oxygen is essential for all your organs and cells. Without clean oxygen or sufficient oxygen, you are at greater risk of illness and disease, including cancer. Oxygen is necessary for optimal brain function, good mood and energy. It can also improve your strength, boost your immune system, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Smoking can damage your lung tissue and prevent your lungs from working properly. It can also prevent your lungs from transporting enough oxygen to your cells and major organs.
According to the FDAEvery puff of cigarette smoke you inhale contains more than 7,000 toxic chemicals. These chemicals can damage the lungs, cause illnesses such as sore throats, and narrow the airways in your lungs. All of these effects can make it harder for you to breathe. Fortunately, once you stop smoking, your risk of these problems will gradually decrease over time and you will get sick less often.
What lung complications are caused by smoking?
Smoking increases the risk of lung problems, including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. It is estimated that eight in ten cases of COPD are caused by smoking. In addition, people who smoke are twenty times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers.
Smoking can also increase the risk of other cancers. These cancers include the larynx (voice box), trachea (trachea), bronchus (an airway to the lungs), and oropharynx (the entire back of the mouth).
This is reported by the CDCthat cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. It is responsible for one in five deaths among men and women. In addition to causing several forms of cancer, smoking can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke two to four times.
Other complications associated with smoking include fertility problems, tooth loss and diabetes.
What happens to your lungs when you stop smoking?
Your lungs begin to heal immediately when you stop smoking. If you are a smoker, you need to understand that you may be able to reverse years of damage caused by smoking if you quit today.
The FDA and CDA say that within 12 hours of your last cigarette, carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal levels and oxygen blood flow increases. Within a yearquit smokingyour risk of a heart attack is greatly reduced. Within two to five years, your risk of stroke can be reduced to the level of a non-smoker.
In the fifth year after quitting smoking, your risk of throat, mouth, esophageal and bladder cancer drops by 50%. In fact, your risk of dying from lung cancer drops by half ten years after quitting.
American Cancer Societymentions several additional benefits of quitting smoking. Your heart rate and blood pressure drop 20 minutes after smoking. Your lung function improves within two weeks to three months after the last cigarette. During the first year after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath subside and your lungs become better at cleaning themselves to reduce the risk of infection.
What are other benefits of quitting smoking?
There are numerous benefits to quitting smoking. You will notice that your quality of life increases once you stop.
The food will taste better and you will gradually regain your sense of smell. You will also smell better to others who are sensitive to the smell of cigarette smoke. Smoke can make you smell bad because it can stick to your hair and clothes and cause bad breath. Quitting smoking can even make you look more attractive, as it can prevent yellowing of your nails and teeth and also improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
Smoking is expensive and you save a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on cigarettes and lighters. You will feel more energetic and less tired and will not have to worry about taking regular breaks at home or at work to go outside and smoke.
How can I speed up the healing of the lungs after smoking?
Your lungs are self-cleaning, meaning they will gradually heal and regenerate on their own after you stop smoking. However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try to speed up the rate at which your lungs heal.
Drink a lot of water
Water helps flush toxins from your body, including those in cigarettes and tobacco products. Start drinking more water to help your body detox and remove as many toxins as possible. Some doctors recommend drinking hot tea or water. This is because hot drinks can help thin the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to clear it from your lungs.
Eat healthy food
Healthy, whole, single-ingredient foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish are packed with nutrients that help flush toxins from your body. The nutrients in these foods also help your cells repair themselves and contribute to the growth of new, healthy tissue. Your doctor can assess your diet and recommend changes you can make to help your lungs heal faster.
Practice regularly
Exercise increases the amount of oxygen delivered to cells and tissues throughout your body. Cardiovascular exercises such as brisk walking, swimming, running and cycling are ideal for clearing your lungs after you quit smoking.
Cough
For several weeks or months after you stop smoking, you may notice that your cough persists or becomes more frequent. This is completely normal and is your body's way of removing excess mucus that has built up in the lungs. Allow yourself to cough as often as necessary, as this can help your lungs heal a little faster.
Clean your living space
Dust, pollen, mold and pet dander are some of the many irritants that contribute to bad breath and lung health. These medications can even slow the healing of your lungs after you stop smoking. Dust and vacuum your home regularly to keep it clean, and clean all fans and vents regularly. The cleaner you keep your home, the cleaner the air will be.
Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing provides many health benefits for your lungs and breathing ability. It can strengthen your diaphragm, reduce oxygen needs and release trapped air. It can also slow your breathing, making you feel calmer and more relaxed. If you used to smoke cigarettesrelax and reduce stresspracticing deep breathing has a more beneficial effect.
Try steam therapy
Steam therapy involves inhaling water vapor. This therapy can help you breathe easier by thinning the mucus in your lungs and reducing inflammation in the airways.
To perform steam therapy, heat water in a pot or kettle and then pour it into a hardened bowl. Place a towel over the back of your head and gently lower your face toward the bowl until you are about eight inches away. Then breathe slowly and deeply for two to five minutes. You can also purchase an electric vapor inhaler made specifically for this therapy.
What are the best treatments for quitting smoking?
The most effective treatment for quitting smoking is the one that best suits you and your lifestyle. Some treatments may work better for you than others. The best thing you can do is learn all your treatment options and choose the one you think is ideal for you. You may have to try several treatments before you find one that works.
Some of the most common treatments for smoking cessation are medications and nicotine replacement products.
Drugs can reduce cigarette cravings, along with other nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can give you a prescription for these medications and discuss their pros and cons, including possible side effects.
Nicotine replacement products include patches, gums, nasal sprays, inhalers, and lozenges. Each of these products contains nicotine to help you adapt to a non-smoking lifestyle without developing cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These products come with different nicotine levels, so you can gradually reduce your nicotine intake over time until you no longer need it.
Lung and Smoking Cessation Treatments at Lompoc Valley Medical Center
Lompoc Valley Medical Care is home to a large team of board-certified physicians who can treat virtually any health condition, including lung disease, lung cancer and nicotine addiction. We can help you quit smoking and help you recover from the effects of long-term smoking and lung damage.Visit our provider page todayto make an appointment and learn more about the many health care services available to you and your family.
