I'm sure the answer to this question has to go to the individual and his/her genes. Not all of us are built the same nor did our habits completely mirror each other. Fortunately as my quit date approaches I am fully aware of what I know I will benefit from. For me it will be mucus production, while I have smoked for over 30 years I have not developed much of a cough. Because of my build (and genes) I do know that I have a large lung capacity and wonder how this will impact my risk of getting some deteriorating lung disease. Alohakeia, I agree my lungs will be getting better, just cutting down from the 1/2 packs per day to the small number I am at today, I notice a change. Can't wait to reach my goal!

I keep wondering about this, too, since I am still coughing. Not any where near as bad as I was when I was smoking, but still am. I am hoping that my lungs are still clearing themselves out (there are still little specks sometimes when I cough) and that I am growing new cilia. I know whatever damage I have done is not going to be made worse, and that is important. But still, I'd like to know if some of this damage will be reversed. Just a little something to keep me holding my breath ;) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/22/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 231 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 9,240 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,570.80 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 32 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 37 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38

Wow Mercy aim impressed with all this Info, that was one of my biggest worries also, wathcing people struggle for breath just freaked me out, and i had an awful cough, ive had no problems with my lungs in years now, the benifits of Not smoking get better every year :) tresa Hang Tough Rocket!! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]8/8/2002 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 1917 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 38,340 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $6,709.50 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 270 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 15 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

Rocket, There is never any guarentee that you will not get emmphysema but what you are doing now will definetly decrease your chances. Your body starts to heal the minute that you stop smoking and Mercy has provide you with some great stats. Brenna, Bilingual Support Specialist

Thanks Mercy, I had heard all of the other statistics quoted, but I really did not see anything statistics related to Emphysema. Your statement related to Emphysema helps but I guess I do not fully comprehend it. So if I have not developed this condition, I won't but if I have developed it, it should not get worse. Am I understanding this correctly? Thanks again.

Rocket, The benefits are immediate. It is never too late to quit. Only two years after stopping cigarette smoking, your risk of heart attack returns to average. It has actually decreased substantially the very next day! After ten years your risk for lung cancer is back to nearly normal. After only two years there is a decrease in lung cancer risk by perhaps one-third. The development of emphysema is arrested for many people when they stop smoking, although this condition does not reverse. Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continues for years. 20 MINUTES Blood pressure drops to normal. Pulse rate drops to normal. Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal. 8 HOURS Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal. Oxygen level in blood increases to normal. 24 HOURS Chance of heart attack decreases. 48 HOURS Nerve endings start regrowing. Ability to smell and taste is enhanced. 2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases up to 30%. 1 TO 9 MONTHS Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection. Body's overall energy increases. 1 YEAR Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. 5 YEARS Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's. 10 YEARS Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers. Precancerous cells are replaced. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases. 15 YEARS Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker. Hope this helps Mercy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/21/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 290 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,800 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,296.30 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 38 [B]Hrs:[/B] 2 [B]Mins:[/B] 4 [B]Seconds:[/B] 13

I guess one of my biggest fears after smoking 30+ years is the fear of Emphysema. I do not have any breathing problems at this time, but expect to see some benefit in the stamina arena after having quit for a period of time. I was just wondering if there were any statistics related to how quitting affects the risk of me getting this disease and if I have quit and achieve my goal of being a NOPE have I eliminated this risk. Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.