Posted by stjames on September 21, 2003, at 16:46:27
In reply to Re: Tobacco and permanent lung damage » jonh kimble, posted by dave1 on September 20, 2003, at 15:04:53
> I've heard that your lung cells regenerate and after a number of years your lungs can be the same as if you never smoked.
>
> DaveThats too general a statement to be true, of course.
It's more a pipe dream. Common sense would indicate it has to do with the years one has smoked.Lungs are good at exchanging gasses and not too good at moving solid particles out of the lungs.
Our lungs were ment for gasses not smoke !
If there is damage, it is permanent if you have smoked for a while. If one is really worried about this, keep in mind that damage is relative to function. It is not that something is damaged, it is how well it function as damaged. Lungs are huge.<James lites up another cig>
There are some very simple tests for lung function. remember the clip thing the nurse
put on your finger to measure your pulse ?
It also tests oxygen saturation, the % of oxygen
in your tissues, a function of the lungs.
Non-smokers will register 99% (without lung problems), smokers 95 and below. If you quit, measure this. Most HMO's let you come in for free BP checks. It will take 3 months at least for your lungs to recover. How much is the question. One cig a day for 5-10 years and there will always be permanent damage but the real question is how does it improve function. Can you now do physical activity without getting winded ? Does your pulse shoot through the roof when you exercise, or is it
more controled ? (improved cardio-vascular fitness). Smokers will identify with these issues.
If they quit, these will improve, despite any
permanent lung damage.I have mentioned else where I hate the word "damage". Many ask about it and to me ask the wrong question. There is always damage. Aging is damage, cells die, everyone has less function in many areas past age 30. All from damage, as the body is less able to repair. We all seem to do just fine with this increasing level of damage.
So the imformed question is to ask if the damage is causing problems with day to day functions.
poster:stjames
thread:261946
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20030903/msgs/262231.html