As a pulmonologist with extensive experience in treating patients with chronic respiratory diseases, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question. Unfortunately, the lung damage that characterizes COPD is cumulative, which means that it doesn't go away just because you quit smoking. However, quitting smoking can significantly slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life. There's still a lot of benefit to quitting, as Dr. Nicolacakis says. If you quit smoking early enough, near-normal lung function may return, but it's important to note that the damage already done to the lungs is generally irreversible. read more >>

Unfortunately, the lung damage that characterizes COPD is cumulative, which means that it doesn't go away just because you kicked the habit, but there's still a lot of benefit to quitting, Dr. Nicolacakis says. However, if you quit smoking early enough, near-normal lung function may return.read more >>