COPD GUIDE

Smoking and COPD: What Do You Gain When You Quit?

Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026

SHORT ANSWER

Cigarette smoke is the most important cause of COPD. It causes lasting inflammation in the airways and an increase in phlegm. It also damages the air sacs. Stopping smoking does not reverse damage that has already occurred. But it slows the loss of lung function. It reduces cough and phlegm within months. It makes flare-ups less frequent and prolongs life. Stopping has benefits at every age and at every stage. Medication support and counselling markedly increase the chances of stopping.

What does smoking do to the lungs?

Cigarette smoke causes chronic inflammation and thickening of the airway walls. The mucus-producing cells increase in number (chronic bronchitis). The walls of the air sacs break down (emphysema). The tiny hairs that clean the airways stop working. Infections become more likely. Not everyone who smokes develops COPD. But smoking is the most important cause of COPD. Being exposed to cigarette smoke (passive smoking) and smoking shisha also carry a risk.

What happens when you stop?

Time	Change
1–3 months	The tiny hairs that clean the airways start working again; cough and phlegm decrease (there may be a temporary increase in the first few weeks)
6–12 months	Flare-ups become less frequent; exercise capacity increases
1–2 years	The yearly loss of lung function slows and approaches the rate of someone who does not smoke
Long term	The risk of heart attack, stroke and lung cancer falls; life is prolonged

COPD does not “get better”, but its course changes. People who stop smoking preserve their lung function better than those who continue to smoke. They also live longer.

How can you stop?

Counselling and medication together: This is the most effective approach. You can get free support from the ALO 171 Stop Smoking Helpline and from stop smoking clinics.
Nicotine replacement therapy: Using a patch together with gum or lozenges.
Varenicline or cytisine: These are available on prescription. They are the medicines with the highest success rates for stopping.
Bupropion: This is another medicine option.
Behaviour change: Set a quit date. Learn to cope with situations that remind you of smoking. Joining a support group also helps.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco are not safe for people with COPD. Nor are they recommended as an approved method of stopping smoking.

Smoking when balloon or valve treatment is planned

For a lung valve, you must already have stopped smoking. For balloon treatment, smoking alone is not a barrier. But stopping is part of the treatment. Stopping before the procedure lowers the risks of anaesthesia and reduces phlegm. It also helps to maintain the benefit gained from the treatment. At our clinic, the plan for stopping smoking is made together with the treatment plan. → Who it is suitable for

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Is it suitable for you?

Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.

Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.

HAVE A QUESTION?

Frequently asked questions

The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.

Does COPD get better if you stop smoking?

Damage that has already occurred is not reversed. But progression slows down, symptoms decrease and life is prolonged.

I’ve stopped smoking and now I’m coughing more.

In the first few weeks, phlegm may increase as the airways clear themselves. This increase usually eases within 1–3 months.

I’m old. Is there still any benefit in stopping smoking?

Yes. Stopping smoking has benefits at every age and at every stage.

What if I switch to e-cigarettes?

It is not recommended in COPD. Approved medicines and counselling should be preferred.

Can balloon/valve treatment be done without stopping smoking?

For a lung valve, you must stop smoking first. For balloon treatment, smoking alone is not a barrier. But stopping is part of the treatment. Continuing to smoke may reduce the benefit.

APPOINTMENT

Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment

To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.

info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul

REFERENCES

International COPD guideline (GOLD 2026 report); Turkish Thoracic Society COPD Diagnosis and Treatment Consensus Report.

This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.

Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026

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