Airways Heal
Lung cilia are fully restored. Coughing and shortness of breath decrease dramatically.
What happens to your body 6 months after quitting smoking
At the six-month mark, your lung cilia are fully restored and functioning normally. The persistent cough that many ex-smokers experience in the first few months has usually resolved. Shortness of breath during normal activities has decreased dramatically. Your lungs are now much better at fighting infections and clearing debris. Many people notice their seasonal allergies or asthma symptoms have improved significantly as well.
Frequently asked questions
When does the smoker's cough go away?
For most people, the persistent cough resolves within 1–6 months after quitting. By 6 months, your airways are largely healed and cilia are fully functional, so the cough should be gone or greatly reduced.
Can lungs fully heal after smoking?
Lungs have a remarkable ability to repair themselves. While some damage from very heavy, long-term smoking may be permanent, most people see dramatic improvements. By 6 months, airway healing is largely complete.