Smoking and COPD: How Quitting Can Still Improve Lung Function

The Biggest Myth About COPD and Smoking

One of the biggest misunderstandings about COPD is the idea that it is too late to quit smoking after the disease is diagnosed.

This notion probably comes from the fact that COPD leads to irreversible damage of the air sacs and lung tissue. It is a fact that damaged lung tissue does not regenerate, but this does not mean that getting better is not possible. The treatment of COPD is aimed at preserving the healthy lung tissue, calming the inflammation, and halting the progression of the disease. In fact, quitting smoking is a key factor in all these areas.

Instead of being “too late, ” quitting smoking can make a very big difference in the development of the disease down the line.

What Is COPD and How Does Smoking Damage the Lungs?

COPD refers mainly to chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation and narrows the air passages and also causes excessive mucus production. While, emphysema is the condition when alveolis gets damaged, the small air sacs where oxygen exchange takes place.

Cigarette smoke is the source of thousands of toxic chemicals responsible for triggering a permanent inflammatory reaction in the lungs. This inflammation, if not stopped, will gradually cause lung tissue damage, lower the natural defense mechanisms of the lungs and lead to the destruction of elastin, a protein that helps the lungs contract and expand in a healthy way.

Due to ongoing smoking, air becomes stuck inside the lungs and this makes breathing out very difficult. 

This, in turn, causes the following respiratory symptoms:

• Regular coughing
• Production of too much mucus
• Wheezing
• Labored breathing in the shortness of breath
• Low level of physical activity due to breathing difficulties
• Recurring chest infections

Can Quitting Smoking Improve Lung Function in COPD?

Certainly. Although quitting smoking won’t entirely undo the damage already done, it will substantially enhance lung function.

Pulmonary specialists evaluate lung capacity with a procedure called spirometry. One of the main indicators of this test is the FEV1 or Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second. Several studies have demonstrated that COPD smokers experience lung function degradation much more quickly than non-smokers.

After quitting smoking, the rate at which lung function deteriorates decreases dramatically. Consequently, it means patients can hold on to the healthy lungs longer, postponing the extreme disability and ability to live independently for years than they would have without quitting smoking.

After You Stop Smoking, What Happens to the Lungs ?

Reduced Airway Inflammation

Smoking continuously irritates airways. After quitting, airways slowly become less inflamed, so air can flow more easily through your respiratory system. Many people get less chest tightness and better breathing in just a few weeks.

Less Mucus and Chronic Cough

Smoking makes cells that produce mucus very active, which causes a person to cough a lot and be congested. When a person stops smoking, small hairlike structures in their lungs called cilia will gradually regenerate and regain their ability to remove mucus and waste effectively. 

That is why most smokers quickly notice that they cough less and breathe better.

Improved Oxygen Delivery

Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces oxygen capacity in the blood. Oxygen level in blood rapidly recovers after quitting smoking, providing the necessary energy for organs and muscles to function properly without getting out of breath.

Fewer COPD Flare-Ups

Most COPD patients are hospitalized due to COPD exacerbations or flare-ups as the most leading cause.

Smoking also weakens lungs and makes it easier for germs and irritants to get in. A person who has quit smoking will have fewer and less severe flare-ups, which will improve their health and quality of life.

Can Quitting Smoking Reverse COPD?

It is not possible for the damage caused by COPD to be reversed by simply quitting smoking because the lung tissues that were harmed cannot be regrown. Nevertheless, it is one of the ways through which one can reduce the progression of the disease and symptoms, breath efficiently, and protect the lung function.

For a lot of patients, this difference significantly means maintaining good quality life through physical activities instead of experiencing complete disability.

Why Is Quitting Smoking the Most Effective COPD Treatment?

Smoking cessation is the most effective way to stop the progression of the lung damage that causes COPD.

On top of making lungs healthier, quitting smoking gives you many other advantages:

1. Decreases risk of heart disease
2. Improves blood flow to all parts of the body
3. Enables easier participation in lung rehabilitation
4. Increases stamina
5. Boosts mood and self-esteem
6. Reduces the risk of lung cancer

Besides the physical aspect, many people with COPD have fear or anxiety about their breathlessness. When their symptoms get better, most of the time they are more willing and able to exercise, stay active, and do their normal daily activities.

When Should You Consult a Pulmonologist?

Many people overlook the first signs of health problems as they connect symptoms to the natural aging process or smoking.

Here are some reasons why you might need a medical check-up:

• Persistent cough several weeks long
• Progressive shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Repeated respiratory infections
• Feeling of chest constriction
• Capability to perform daily activities lowering

People who think their lungs might not be healthy should not delay a doctor’s visit. Timely detection and management of the problem can lead to a much better prognosis.

Final Thoughts 

Accurately diagnosing COPD, respiratory testing with the latest technology, changing one’s lifestyle, and keeping track of the health status are all necessary for management of the disease.

At Sarvesh Health City, patients get to meet respiratory experts, have state-of-the-art testing, and get one-on-one help with quitting smoking. The team-based approach will help you identifying signs and symptoms of the disease as well as showing signs as well as lead a better life with healthier lungs.

If you are looking for the best pulmonology treatment hospital in Hisar and the consultation from the best pulmonologist in Hisar, visit the Sarvesh Health City hospital. Early treatment not only helps in slowing down the progression of the disease but also prevents the occurrence of any serious complications.