Has any research been done into how long it takes for the lungs to clear all the tar and gunge that has built up in them over the years?

[andi22]

Is it many years or only a matter of months and can you do anything to help them clear quicker?

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer]

Hi Andi, i dont know much about it, but i think when we have those coughing bouts when we first quit, they are due to our lungs cleaning them selves out, but not sure how much!! butttttt i think we all know a young Lady who could help. I'm sure Emjay will know or will find out for you.

Good question Andi.

Pete.

[EmJay Partner]

I'm not sure what research has been carried out Andi but I shall look into it for you and let you know if I find anything.

Your body will work it's own natural magic and start putting things into place to help your lungs to start repairing themselves almost straight away.

The time it takes all depends on certain factors such as;

1. The amount you smoked daily.

2. The way you smoked - some people take small light puffs of their cigarettes whilst others take a real long drag.

3. Other health factors

Within 72 hours, the bronchial tubes in your lungs are beginning to relax, making it easier to breathe and increasing your lung function.

One of the most visual signs of repair is the cough that we have spoken about a bit. This can be anything time from a couple of days to a few weeks. Your lungs will produce less phlegm, and you won't cough or wheeze as often. This is due to the cilia regrowing in your lungs and increasing their ability to handle mucus, keep your lungs clean and reduce infections. Within one to nine months, your coughing and shortness of breath will decrease.

Within 10 years, your risk from gettinng lung cancer is half that of a smoker's.

I have a breathing exercise that can help to lift any excess phlegm from your chest. Some people can actually feel it rattling away. Better to get it out, as it shouldn't really be there any way.

I hope this helps in answer to your question Andi. I'll type up the breathing exercise I have just mentioned.

I'll also have a look for any research for you.

[andi22]

Thanks for that and the tips which I'm sure will help most people but I'll be really interested in any resarch you manage to dig up.

I've been very lucky and not suffered from the coughing or wheezing that most people are unfortunate enough to suffer from. I keep expecting it to kick in but it hasn't yet.

Perhaps that was helped somewhat by my level of fitness.

[Hidden]

Hi andi, I was wondering the same thing. I didn't have a smokers cough and I haven't coughed since giving up either. Can't really put it down to my not great level of fitness! I just hope those cilla in my lungs haven't been damaged beyond repair!

[madametobacco49 in reply to Hidden]

not much coughing except very beginning--5 months and short periods of wheezing--this could be air quality  related--I don't know--MmeT