Is there a way to clean out the tar from your lungs if you've been smoking? And if there is, how much would that cost? I've heard of someone getting it done, and I'm really curious if it's actually possible.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

MBBS
4+ Yrs

Consult Now

Removing tar from smoker lungs is a challenging process, but it's possible to reduce the damage and promote lung health. Unfortunately, there's no magic procedure to completely remove tar, but quitting smoking is the first step towards healing.

Your lungs have an incredible ability to repair themselves, and the healing process begins immediately after quitting smoking. Within 48 hours, carbon monoxide levels drop, and oxygen levels increase. The cilia in your lungs start to regrow within a week, and lung function improves within a month.

To support your lung health, consider incorporating lung-cleansing foods, drinks, and supplements into your routine. These may include:

Lung-Cleansing Foods: Dark leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, ginger, and turmeric.

Lung Detox Drinks: Teas made from ginger, basil, and echinacea.

Dr. Shubham Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Find a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

More Pulmonology/ Respiratory Medicine Health Queries

View all

Feel like I always have mucus in my throat and lungs, and it's making it hard to breathe properly. I keep having to spit it out. When I sleep and wake up, there's a pressure in my chest. Can anyone help?

take a course of mucolytic for 1 week

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm really worried about my 63-year-old mom. She has COPD bronchitis and has been on medication for a while now, like using a nebulizer and inhalers. We just got her X-ray done, and it said there are fibrotic changes in RV2, but everything else is normal. At home, she's on oxygen all the time, and her levels on the oximeter show between 92 to 98 when she's using it. But as soon as we take off the oxygen, it drops to 60 or 70. Her COVID test came back negative, but I don't understand why her blood oxygen levels aren't improving. Could you please help us understand what's happening and what we should do next?

Visit your Physician for appropriate management

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm having trouble taking deep breaths lately. Sometimes I can manage it, but I mostly end up breathing through my mouth. This has been going on for about three weeks. I used to have other issues like stiffness in my fingers in the morning and pain in my right shoulder and upper arm, but those have either gone away or are getting better. I had a blood test back in January that showed high ESR and low platelets, but I feel okay now except for the deep breathing issue. What could be causing this?

do spirometry

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Health Articles for you

View all

Tuberclosis

Types of Tuberculosis and Their Symptoms

Explore the different types of Tuberculosis (TB), including latent, active (pulmonary & extrapulmonary), and drug-resistant forms. Understand the unique symptoms associated with each type and the critical importance of early diagnosis for effective treatment and management.

Asthma

Asthma Triggers to Be Aware Of

Discover common asthma triggers such as allergens, pollutants, exercise, and weather changes. Learn how to identify and avoid these triggers to better manage asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Breathlessness

Guide to Breathe Right to Run Farther and Faster

Discover how proper breathing techniques can boost your running performance, helping you run farther, faster, and with improved endurance.

COPD

Chronic Bronchitis and COPD Differences Explained

Understand the key differences between chronic bronchitis and COPD, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. Learn how to manage both conditions for better respiratory health.

respiratory-conditions

Bronchitis Symptoms

Discover the common symptoms of bronchitis, including persistent cough, mucus production, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. Learn when to seek medical attention and how to manage symptoms effectively.

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.