Lungs of ex-smokers can regenerate even with toxic substances from cigarettes

Both traditional and electronic cigarettes are capable of causing damage to lung structures and consequently affecting other organs that come into contact with toxic substances (mouth, esophagus, larynx, lungs and bladder, among others).

The fight against smoking is worth it because of the possibility of the body's recovery, even if chemically attacked for a long time.

By eliminating tobacco toxins, the ex-smoker will be able to notice significant changes in their daily lives, such as a reduction in coughing, a reduction in nasal congestion, the person becomes more energetic in their daily tasks, their breathing is no longer labored, allowing improvement in respiratory capacity.

The regeneration of the lung structure will depend on several factors, such as how long the body is exposed to the chemical substance. In addition to imaging exams, doctors make a calculation to have a parameter on the size of the injury that smoking can cause to the patient. If a person smokes a pack of cigarettes a day over a period of 15 years, it is a great indication that the lung structures are already extremely compromised.

_{Man smoking (Photo: reproduction: Getty Images embed)}

Impacts caused by excessive smoking

The lungs are responsible for capturing oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide from the body. When chemical substances are inhaled along with oxygen, all organs such as the mouth, nose and throat are exposed to such substances.

According to the Ministry of Health, passive exposure to smoke and active smoking cause various illnesses such as: cancer, respiratory diseases such as emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases such as angina, high blood pressure, heart attack, digestive ulcers, thrombosis, sexual impotence in men, infertility in women, cataracts, osteoporosis, early menopause, among others.

Significant changes in the body

The decision to stop smoking is worth it for the benefits and quality of life that the person will have from that moment on.

One of the changes that ex-smokers may notice in the first days or weeks after stopping smoking is the return of their sense of smell and taste, which become more refined. This happens because when you stop inhaling the various chemical substances present in cigarettes, the body begins to feel the aromas and flavors again.

With the improvement of blood flow and the reduction of carbon monoxide, the skin stops looking gray and shine and softness are noticeable in the first few weeks. Eating healthy foods and plenty of water help hydrate the body and eliminate nicotine from the body.

Sleep quality returns, as nicotine has a stimulating effect and directly affects the production of melanin (sleep hormone). Sleep is essential for our body, preventing diseases such as hypertension, among other harm caused by smoking.

Featured photo: Smoker with a lit cigarette (Reproduction/Getty Images embed)