I've been a smoker for 6 years, but I quit cold turkey about 9 months ago. I'm really curious, are my lungs as healthy as someone who never smoked at all?

When discussing lung health after quitting smoking, it's important to understand that while quitting significantly improves lung function and reduces risks, the lungs may not be exactly the same as those of someone who never smoked.

1. Improvement Over Time:
   After 9 months of quitting, your lungs have started to heal. Cilia (tiny hair-like structures in the lungs) begin to recover, helping clear mucus and reduce infections.

2. Residual Effects:
   Some damage from smoking, especially if it caused chronic bronchitis or early emphysema, might persist. However, quitting slows further damage.

3. Health Benefits:
   Your risk of lung infections, heart disease, and lung cancer decreases over time compared to when you smoked.

4. Ongoing Care:
   Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding pollutants, and regular check-ups can support lung health.

In summary, while your lungs are healthier than when you smoked, they might not be identical to those of a never-smoker. The key is that quitting smoking has given your lungs a chance to heal and greatly improved your overall health outlook.