A new study has found that while quitting smoking allows the lungs to begin repairing themselves, some smoking-related changes may remain in certain lung cells for years. Researchers reported that former smokers can experience improvements in lung health after giving up cigarettes, but some cellular changes linked to inflammation, tissue repair and disease risk may continue, leaving them more vulnerable to conditions such as chronic lung disease.

The study, published in Translational Research, examined lung tissue samples from current smokers, former smokers and people who had never smoked. Using advanced genetic analysis techniques, researchers studied how individual lung cells responded after smoking stopped. The findings showed that some cells gradually returned to healthier patterns, while others retained changes that could affect normal lung function.

Researchers said these lasting cellular changes may help explain why former smokers continue to face a higher risk of diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer compared with people who have never smoked. Although quitting reduces the risk of serious illness significantly, the study suggests that the lungs may not always return completely to their pre-smoking condition.

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Medical experts continue to emphasise that the body starts healing soon after a person quits smoking. Within weeks, lung inflammation can decrease, breathing may improve and the tiny hair-like structures called cilia that help clear mucus and harmful particles from the airways begin functioning better. Over time, lung function can improve, particularly among people who quit before major permanent damage occurs.

However, some forms of lung damage caused by long-term smoking cannot be fully reversed. Destruction of air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, or permanent scarring may continue to affect breathing even after smoking has stopped. Carolyn Baglole, senior author of the study and professor at McGill University, said the findings show that while some smoking-related damage appears reversible, other changes can persist long after quitting.

Researchers stressed that the findings do not reduce the importance of quitting smoking. Stopping at any age can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and several cancers while improving overall quality of life. Former smokers are advised to remain smoke-free and undergo regular health check-ups, especially if they have a long history of smoking, to monitor and manage potential long-term health risks.

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