Do the lungs recover after quitting smoking?
On One Hand: Lungs RecoverAfter quitting, a smoker’s lungs will recover. The lung function and capacity will increase. Cilia cells in the lungs will regrow, which reduces the risk of lung infections and increases the ability of the lungs to handle mucus. Lung cancer risk will drop significantly until it is the same as a non-smoker. Chronic cough from smoking will disappear.On the Other: Recovery Takes TimeAll the aforementioned benefits of quitting smoking happen over a long period of time. The cilia regrowth, increased lung capacity and cessation of the chronic cough can take up to a year. A former smoker’s risk of lung cancer returns to the same level as that of a non-smoker 10 years after quitting.Bottom LineQuitting smoking allows your lungs to recover from the damage done to them. Coughing and lung irritation will stop, cells will regrow and lungs will regain the ability to handle mucus.
