The lungs of a person who smokes may be larger, discolored, and inflamed compared to those of a person who does not smoke.
The lungs are part of the respiratory system, which takes oxygen in from the air and removes carbon dioxide. Although several factors may compromise lung function, including genetic diseases, infections, and environmental exposures, smoking remains one of the most dangerous.
In this article, we discuss the functional and structural differences between a smoker’s lungs and healthy lungs. We also provide some tips on quitting smoking and improving lung function.
Smoking can change the physical appearance of the lungs. Diagnostic tests, such as a CAT scan and chest X-ray, may identify some of the changes. The chart below summarizes some common physical changes.
| Healthy lungs | Smoker’s lungs |
| Pink | Gray or black |
| Normal size | Hyperinflated |
| No inflammation | Patches of inflammation |
| Dome-shaped diaphragm | Diaphragm muscle loss |
Smoking not only causes physical changes but also alters the function of the lungs. The amount of time that it takes for the changes to develop varies among individuals.
The changes cause several symptoms that interfere with normal breathing. In general, the differences between a smoker’s lungs and healthy lungs include the following:
Increased mucus production
Smoking may cause the lungs to
This increased mucus production can happen for a few reasons, but it primarily occurs because smoking cigarettes damages the epithelial cells that line the airway. Inflammatory cells develop due to the damage, and this promotes goblet cell production, leading to increased mucus.
Although it can vary in consistency and quantity, the lungs of many smokers produce moderate-to-large amounts of thick mucus.
Coughing
It is
Usually, smoking damages the cilia by either paralyzing or destroying them, which allows irritants to get into the airways. This may lead to a long-term cough.
Low oxygen levels
Smoking
Wheezing
Typically, a smoker’s lungs have
Shortness of breath
The combination of the changes that smoking causes in the lungs may lead to shortness of breath.
Several of these changes, including damage to the cells that line the airways, destroyed cilia, and increased mucus, make breathing difficult. As a result, breathlessness may occur with even mild physical exertion.
Cigarette smoke contains more than
- nicotine
- ammonia
- carbon monoxide
- acetaldehyde
Some of the chemicals above are carcinogens, which means that they may cause cancer in humans. In addition, the chemicals may damage the lungs in other ways, such as leading to scarring or inflammation and damaging cells and blood vessels.
Over time, smoking may change the lungs enough
One of the best ways to minimize the risk of lung damage is to avoid ever smoking. People who already smoke can choose from different options to help them break the habit. Those looking to stop smoking may wish to consider the following tips:
Learn about different quitting methods
There are many different ways to quit smoking, and no one way is right for everyone. Certain methods of smoking cessation have more research behind them than others, but even less-proven techniques work for some people.
Smoking cessation options include:
- nicotine replacement, which is available in the form of patches, gums, and sprays
- medication, such as bupropion (Zyban) or Chantix
- hypnosis
- counseling
- acupuncture
Consider more than one method
There is no rule that someone must choose only one technique to help them quit smoking. Sometimes, a combination of methods is most effective. For example, using nicotine replacement therapy along with counseling may increase the chances of success for some people.
Enlist support
Some people might find it helpful to tell family and friends about their intention to quit smoking, as these loved ones may be able to provide support.
Alternatively, online and in-person support is available through the American Lung Association and smokefree.gov.
Stick with it
It is not uncommon to experience setbacks when trying to quit smoking. Giving in to temptation and having a cigarette does not mean failure. Instead, a person can learn from the experience and try to find additional or alternative ways to increase their chances of staying smoke-free in the future.
Refraining from smoking is one of the best ways to keep the lungs healthy. However, people can take other steps to protect their lungs and maintain good lung health. These include:
- Exercising regularly: Exercise helps increase how efficiently the body uses oxygen. It can also decrease the risk of certain diseases that may affect lung health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that all adults aim for
at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. - Protecting against infection: In some cases, infections can damage the lungs. People can reduce the risk of lung infection by washing the hands frequently, staying away from people when they are sick, and getting an annual flu vaccine, if a doctor recommends it.
- Reducing indoor pollutants: Various indoor air pollutants can lead to lung irritation, contribute to lung disease, and make current respiratory conditions worse. Keeping the home free from chemical solvents, asbestos, and secondhand smoke can help protect lung health.
Smokers’ lungs are different than healthy lungs in several ways. Smoking can not only change the appearance of the lungs but also cause functional changes, such as damage to the cells that line the airway, the cilia, and the capillaries in the lungs.
The structural damage may result in various symptoms, including chronic coughing, increased mucus, and shortness of breath. The best way to avoid this is to refrain from or quit smoking. There are several ways to quit smoking, including using medication, nicotine patches, and behavioral counseling.