$Unique_ID{BRK00584}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Will a Period of not Smoking Give one Pristine New Lungs?}
$Subject{lungs smoking Respiratory Chronic bronchitis emphysema airways
obstructive pulmonary disease copd smoke smoker smokers}
$Volume{H-23}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Will a Period of not Smoking Give one Pristine New Lungs?


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QUESTION:  Assuming that all the cells in one's body die and are replaced
sooner or later, can one say that after thirty years of smoking, a five to
seven year period of not smoking will give one pristine new lungs?

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ANSWER:  An interesting question, but unfortunately based upon a wrong
assumption.  It is true that we replace all our red cells every 100 days, and
that many other body cells die and are replaced in the normal process of
living, but some of the damage inflicted on lungs by thirty years of smoking
can never be repaired.  Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic airway
obstructive disease are all possible outcomes of long term cigarette smoking.
Smoke has an adverse effect on lung defenses and provokes a low grade
inflammation which, in turn, leads to the changes in lung anatomy and
function.  But I don't want to take a completely negative approach to your
question.  It is true that if lung function is measured by certain tests in
smoking individuals, and then compared to the results of the same test after a
period of smoking abstinence, a notable improvement can be measured.  Many of
the symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath also improve considerably, as
the lung cleanses itself and revitalizes after the constant irritation of
smoking is removed.  However, if the seeds of cancer have been sown during
your thirty year experience with tobacco, stopping the habit now can not
eradicate the tumor.  It is nice to think of our body as being constantly
renewed and repaired, but it is mortal, and with time begins to show the signs
of wear and tear that we inflict upon it.  Good health habits allow the body
function at its best, and offer the best hope for a long life.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.