How long does lung calcification need to form?

summary

As we all know, smoking is the number one cause of cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening diseases. People who want to quit smoking or have quit smoking often think that the lung damage caused by smoking has stopped and will reverse the damage. But according to experts, this view is only true to a certain extent. How long does it take for pulmonary calcification to form?, Now let's take a concrete look.

How long does lung calcification need to form?

First: although some parts of the lung damage caused by smoking can be recovered, most of the damage is permanent, even people who have quit smoking will still face the increased risk of a variety of diseases.

Second, smoking can damage the cilia, which are located on the thin layer of mucus in the upper respiratory tract and trachea. The main function of cilia is to protect the lungs from being felt. Dirt and pathogens can be captured by the mucus layer and removed from the lungs by the wavy movement of the cilia. Cilia belong to the natural cleaning and repairing system of the lung. This system (especially cilia) is usually paralyzed and destroyed by the toxic substances in tobacco. However, the normal cilia can regenerate in a few days after quitting smoking, and fully recover their original function after a period of time. Statistics show that compared with people who never quit smoking, people who quit smoking have a lower risk of lung cancer in 10 to 15 years after quitting smoking.

Third: because smoking can cause permanent damage to the alveoli, long-term or heavy smokers are most likely to suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Although the inflammation caused by these diseases is reversible, the scars in the lungs caused by smoking are permanent. If you can't quit smoking, then over time, the risk of these lung damage and related diseases is almost zero.

matters needing attention

Calcification in the lung is not necessarily the manifestation of lung cancer, so there is no need to worry too much. Although it is possible, it is very small. If you are not at ease, you can do further examination. The most typical calcification of the upper lung is left over from tuberculosis. If there has ever been tuberculosis, it is clear.