Before reading this article, we sincerely invite you to click "Follow", so that you can access a series of high-quality health articles at any time, and at the same time facilitate discussion and sharing, thank you for your support!
Chen Zhiqiang stood in the corridor of the hospital, clutching the chest X-ray he had just gotten, his brows furrowed. As a veteran firefighter, he has rushed into the fire scene countless times to save people in danger. However, at this moment, he felt powerless like never before.
"Mr. Chen, please come in." Dr. Wang's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Walking into the consultation room, Chen Zhiqiang took a deep breath and asked, "Dr. Wang, it's been three months since I quit smoking, but why do I still feel chest tightness and shortness of breath?" Can my lungs still get better? "
Dr. Wang carefully reviewed the chest X-ray and looked through Chen Zhiqiang's medical records. "Mr. Chen, how many years have you been smoking?"
"It's been almost 20 years," Chen Zhiqiang replied, "I used to work under a lot of pressure, and I was very addicted to smoking, so I could smoke two packs a day." "
Dr. Wang nodded: "Long-term smoking has indeed caused some damage to the lungs. Quitting smoking is a good decision, though. Can you tell me what made you decide to quit smoking? "
Chen Zhiqiang's eyes dimmed: "Last month, Lao Zhang in our team passed away due to lung cancer. He's only 50 years old, not much older than me. I suddenly realized that if I didn't quit smoking, I might be next. "
Dr. Wang looked at Chen Zhiqiang sympathetically: "I am sorry to hear this news. But you made the right choice. Quitting smoking can really improve the condition of your lungs gradually. However, this process takes time, and there may be some uncomfortable symptoms in the early stages of quitting. "
Chen Zhiqiang asked eagerly: "Then my current symptoms are normal?" Or is there something wrong with my lungs? "
Dr. Wang explains, "From your symptoms and test results, it is true that you have some damage to your lungs, but it is not to the point of irreversibility. However, there are a few symptoms that we need to pay close attention to when the lungs are 'calling for help'. "
"What are the symptoms?" Chen Zhiqiang asked.
Dr. Wang held up three fingers: "First, persistent cough, especially cough with phlegm; second, shortness of breath or shortness of breath, which can occur even with light activity; Third, chest pain or tightness, especially when taking deep breaths. If these symptoms persist or worsen, further testing is warranted. "
Chen Zhiqiang thoughtfully: "I do sometimes feel chest tightness and shortness of breath, but it is not very serious. Does this mean that my lungs have started to recover? "
Dr. Wang smiled and said, "Yes, that's a good sign. When you quit smoking, your lungs start to repair themselves. But the process is gradual and takes a certain amount of time. "
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door of the consultation room. Nurse Xiao Li came in: "Doctor Wang, Aunt Li has come for a review." "
Dr. Wang nodded: "Let her wait a moment." Turning to Chen Zhiqiang, he said, "Mr. Chen, I suggest you listen to Aunt Li's story, her experience may give you some inspiration." "
After a while, an old lady in her 60s walked into the consultation room. Dr. Wang gave a brief introduction to the two.
Aunt Li looked at Chen Zhiqiang kindly: "Xiao Chen, I heard from Dr. Wang that you just quit smoking. Don't rush, take your time. When I quit smoking, it was much harder than you. "
Chen Zhiqiang asked curiously, "Aunt Li, did you smoke before?" "
Aunt Li smiled: "It's not." When I was younger, I worked in a textile factory, and I was under a lot of pressure and addicted to smoking. It wasn't until he was diagnosed with emphysema at the age of 55 that he had to quit smoking. "
Dr Wong added, "Auntie Li is a prime example. After she quit smoking, her lung function did not fully recover, but it improved significantly. Now her quality of life is much better than before. "
Aunt Li nodded: "That's right." When I first quit smoking, I was like you, I always felt tightness in my chest and shortness of breath. But after persisting for more than half a year, the situation slowly improved. Now I can go for a walk in the park every day and square dance with my sisters. "
Chen Zhiqiang thought thoughtfully: "Then do you still have uncomfortable symptoms now?" "
Aunt Li replied: "Occasionally, there will be some slight discomfort, but it is much better than before. The key is to maintain good habits, exercise more, and stay up less late. "
Dr. Wang took the opportunity to explain: "Aunt Li is right. After quitting smoking, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Moderate exercise can help clear the lungs and strengthen heart and lung function. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to a balanced diet and eat more foods rich in antioxidants, such as vegetables and fruits. "
Chen Zhiqiang nodded: "I understand." Is there anything else I need to pay attention to besides daily life? "
Dr Ong said, "Regular check-ups are important. For people who have smoked for a long time, even after quitting, be alert to the risk of lung disease. It is recommended to have a chest CT scan at least once a year to detect problems in time. "
Aunt Li added: "Yes, I just come to check every year. Early detection and early treatment are the principles that everyone understands. "
Chen Zhiqiang thought thoughtfully: "Dr. Wang, can you tell us more about the process of lung recovery after quitting smoking?" "
Dr. Wang pulled out a chart: "Of course. Lung recovery after quitting smoking is a gradual process. Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, heart rate and blood pressure will begin to drop. After 12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood drops to normal. After 2-12 weeks, lung function will improve significantly and the circulatory system will improve.
After 1-9 months, the symptoms of cough and shortness of breath will subside. After 1 year, the risk of coronary heart disease is halved. After 5 years, the risk of stroke decreases to a level similar to that of non-smokers. After 10 years, lung cancer mortality will be halved. "
Chen Zhiqiang said in surprise: "I didn't expect so many benefits of quitting smoking!" "
Aunt Li smiled and said, "Not really." I now feel that quitting smoking is like giving my body a chance to be reborn. "
"However, it is important to note that while quitting smoking can significantly improve health, it does not mean that all injuries will be fully recovered," Dr Wong added. Especially for patients who already have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, some of the damage to the lungs can be permanent. But even so, quitting smoking can slow disease progression and improve quality of life. "
Chen Zhiqiang thoughtfully: "I understand. Is there anything else that can help your lungs recover besides quitting smoking? "
Dr Wang replied, "In addition to the healthy lifestyle we mentioned earlier, there are ways to help the lungs recover. For example, deep breathing exercises and chest physiotherapy can help clear the lungs and strengthen lung function. It's also important to maintain good indoor air quality and try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and other air pollutants. "
Aunt Li interjected: "I also learned to blow up balloons!" Doctors say it can also help exercise the lungs. "
Dr. Wang smiled and nodded, "That's right, balloon blowing is indeed a simple and effective lung exercise method. Singing is also a good option to help boost lung capacity. "
After hearing this, Chen Zhiqiang's eyes lit up with hope: "Thank you, I am now more confident in the future." I will definitely stick to quitting smoking and take good care of my body. "
When he left the hospital, Chen Zhiqiang's mood was much lighter. He took a deep breath of fresh air and felt as if his lungs were cheering. He knows that the road to recovery after quitting smoking may be long, but as long as he perseveres, a bright future awaits him.
This story tells us that although long-term smoking has caused serious health harm, as long as we quit smoking in time and adopt a healthy lifestyle, our body still has the ability to repair itself.
At the same time, we must always be vigilant to the "distress signal" sent by the lungs, and have regular physical examinations to detect problems in time. Let's work together to stay away from tobacco and take care of our lung health. After all, every breath is a gift of life.
What are your thoughts on this? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!