How long do I have to stop smoking for a clean blood gas test? -
How long do I have to stop smoking for a clean blood gas test? -
That depends on how long you smoked and how much you smoked. But I-ll give you an example: I-m 62 years old and smoked a pack a day for 40 years. My blood gases are perfect. No problems at all. My lungs on the other hand are a mess. I have bullous emphysema, interstitial fibrosis from the multiple pneumonias, chronic bronchitis and am steroid dependent. Can-t walk across the room without getting short of breath.Am I painting a picture here for you? Blood gases are a poor indicator of lung disease unless they show some abnormality. But if they are normal it does not mean you are free of disease. This is a testament to the resiliency of the lungs and the amount of reserve capacity we have.
Pulmonary function testing is the gold standard for lung disease. Get your doctor to order a full set of tests and see where you stand.
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