Smoking

Smoking When You Have a Lung Condition

If you live with a lung condition and still smoke, you’re not alone. Many individuals continue smoking despite their diagnosis—either due to addiction, habit, or the challenges of quitting.

However, it’s never too late to quit smoking, even after a lung disease diagnosis. Research consistently shows that giving up tobacco improves lung function and makes treatments for respiratory diseases more effective.

Why Should You Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to protect and improve your lung health. Whether you have asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition, stopping smoking significantly boosts your quality of life and enhances the effectiveness of your medication.

Immediate Benefits of Quitting

• Lung function starts improving within 24 hours

• Carbon monoxide levels in the body return to normal

• Symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing lessen

• Asthma and COPD become easier to manage

• Fewer flare-ups and hospital visits

Long-Term Benefits

• Reduced risk of infections and lung cancer

• Lower chance of cancer returning (if already diagnosed)

• Improved treatment outcomes in lung cancer patients

• Slower decline in lung function over time

• Reduced risk of other illnesses such as heart disease and stroke

• Longer life expectancy and improved daily functioning

Note: You may initially cough more after quitting. This is normal as your lungs start to recover—symptoms usually improve in a few weeks.

How Smoking Affects Lung Conditions

Smoking doesn’t just cause lung disease—it worsens existing respiratory illnesses like:

• Asthma: Reduced treatment response and increased attacks

• COPD: Accelerated lung function decline

• Lung cancer: Higher recurrence and complications

• Tuberculosis: Greater risk of severe infection

Even cutting down the number of cigarettes doesn’t stop lung damage. Only complete cessation slows disease progression and improves outcomes.

Why People Struggle to Quit

You’re not alone if quitting feels impossible. Common reasons people continue smoking include:

• Long-term addiction or heavy smoking history

• Smoking as part of daily routine

• Social environments where others smoke

• Mental health struggles (stress, anxiety, depression)

• Belief that it’s “too late” to quit after a diagnosis

• Lack of confidence or support

“I’ve cut down from 40 to 10 cigarettes a day, and I’m trying to reduce more.”
— Elaine Morris, UK, living with COPD

Support From Your Healthcare Team

Many people say they weren’t encouraged by doctors to stop smoking. However, you have the right to support and guidance.

What your doctor should do:

1. Ask about your smoking habits: Duration, frequency, past quit attempts, etc.

2. Check lung health: Using tests like spirometry or carbon monoxide monitors

3. Create a quit plan: Help you choose the best method and set a quit date

4. Schedule follow-ups: Offer encouragement and track your progress

If you feel judged or unsupported, consider speaking with a different doctor or nurse.

Most Effective Ways to Quit Smoking

1. Medication

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches, gum, lozenges, sprays, or inhalers can reduce cravings. In some cases, prescription medications like varenicline or bupropion may be recommended to help overcome addiction.

Your doctor may suggest a combination of medications for better results, especially if you’ve smoked for a long time.

2. Counselling

Professional counselling (in groups or one-on-one) provides tools and emotional support. Over 4–6 sessions, you’ll learn strategies to handle cravings, stress, and withdrawal symptoms.

“What helped me quit was a nurse who listened and guided me, not judged me.”
— Jan Cowley, UK, quit smoking after 44 years

Summary: It’s Never Too Late to Quit

Even if you’ve smoked for decades, quitting will improve your health—whether you have asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions. Your lungs begin to heal almost immediately, and the long-term benefits are significant.

By combining medication, counselling, and the right support, you can beat tobacco addiction and breathe easier again.

Resources for Quitting Smoking

• European Lung Foundation – Smoking Risks

• SmokeHaz – Scientific Info on Smoking

• Ex-Smokers Are Unstoppable

• Check your local health service website for free quit-smoking programs