I was just wondering how long one needs to smoke for to cause damage to their lungs? I picked up smoking for about a week, smoking 5-6 cigarettes a day. Then I noticed I was having issues with shortness of breath and stopped. Have I caused any sort of damage to my lungs permanently, or will they repair themselves and recover from this short walk down the darkside??

Thanks!

JV...

Yes, any amount of smoking can be harmful, so good thing you have stopped smoking...just don't go back!! (If I could do it all over again, I would've never touched one!)

Anyway...if you only smoked for one week, I'm sure you didn't damage your lungs in a week...so rest easy..I'm sure you're alright. Just be smart and don't smoke again.

take care,
Deda