What changes occur in lung function after quitting smoking for one year?

After one year of quitting smoking, lung function undergoes changes such as increased vital capacity, reduced inflammation, airway dilation, recovery of ciliated cell function, and clearance of harmful substances. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Increased Vital Capacity: Within the first three months after quitting smoking, lung function begins to improve significantly, and vital capacity increases. This helps reduce shortness of breath and frequency of coughing, making breathing smoother. After one year of quitting smoking, vital capacity continues to improve further, enhancing overall respiratory function.

2. Reduced Inflammation: Around six months after quitting smoking, lung inflammation decreases significantly, and the repair of lung tissue gradually progresses. Reduced inflammation helps alleviate respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sputum production and lowers the risk of respiratory infections.

3. Airway Dilation: Long-term smoking irritates and causes airway constriction. After quitting smoking, the airways gradually dilate, allowing smoother airflow. This change helps improve respiratory function and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness.

4. Recovery of Ciliated Cell Function: After quitting smoking, bronchial mucosal ciliated cells gradually recover from the absence of nicotine stimulation, and their cleansing function also improves. Ciliated cells effectively remove mucus and pollutants from the respiratory tract, maintaining respiratory cleanliness and health.

5. Gradual Clearance of Harmful Substances: After one year of quitting smoking, harmful substances such as tar that have long remained in the lungs are gradually cleared. This helps reduce the risk of lung cancer and improves overall lung health.

In addition to the above changes in lung function, after one year of quitting smoking, carbon monoxide levels in the body also return to normal, and blood circulation improves.

References

[1] Liu Cuicui, Zhu Yafang, Lü Wenjuan. Changes in lung function, inflammatory factors, and clinical symptoms after smoking cessation in COPD patients with different HRCT phenotypes [J]. Clinical Focus, 2024, 39(07): 625-629.

[2] Wu Yuping. Analysis of the impact of continuous nursing on smoking cessation and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [J]. Smart Healthcare, 2024, 10(03): 221-224.