Can damaged lungs get better?
It depends on WHAT kind of damage, WHERE the damage is, IS THERE ongoing damage (like envronmental issues or self-inflicted damage – like smoking) and HOW MUCH scarring there is. Damage to the tracheobronchial tree has a higher capacity to heal than damage to the lung parenchyma where there is scar tissue and loss of alveoli (emphysema). Once alveoli are lost, they cannot be regenerated. Hope that helps. And to the guy who is smoking three packs a day – QUIT NOW! Your lungs are young and probably have a good reserve. Quit in your 40’s, and you may have no more lung reserve and any symptoms that you have will be with you for the rest of your life!
