Surgeon reveals when the lung health of ex-smokers restores
Even though it is not always possible to completely restore the structural changes of the lungs caused by tobacco smoke, it is possible to significantly improve their overall health and functioning by giving up smoking. The degree of lung recovery depends on the general state of health, smoking duration, and already existing injuries. Evgenii Zinchenko is Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Hospital Surgery at St Petersburg University and a thoracic surgeon. In his interview to PRIME News Agency, he reveals that lungs are capable of self-purification and they can gradually approach the condition of the lungs of a non-smoker.
The benefits of quitting tobacco, according to the expert, are visible almost immediately.
Within a few minutes after smoking the last cigarette, the pulse and blood pressure decrease. During the first day, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood decreases, and the oxygen level returns to normal. After a couple of days, even ordinary food will taste better, and appetite will improve due to the restoration of taste and olfactory receptors.
Evgenii Zinchenko, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Hospital Surgery at St Petersburg University, a thoracic surgeon
Gradually, within 2 to 12 weeks, blood circulation improves, lung function indicators begin to increase, cough and shortness of breath decrease. By the sixth week, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can see a significant increase in an important functional indicator – forced expiratory volume in one second. With a mild or moderate stage of COPD, this improvement will continue. With a severe stage, it is possible to stabilise the process. The progress can be improved with the help of treatment prescribed by a pulmonologist, Evgenii Zinchenko believes.
'In addition, within six to nine months, the bronchial mucosa cilia that remove mucus from the lungs gain the ability to cleanse the lungs. This reduces the risk of infection. By the end of the first year, the risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced by about half, and people with COPD may continue to experience some improvements in lung function. After 10 years, the risk of getting lung cancer is about half that of a current smoker. And these are just some of the health benefits of quitting smoking,' summed up Mr Zinchenko.