Hi, My fiance is 23 and has never smoked but has been going out to bars and clubs every week -sometimes twice a week- for the past 7 years - most of them outside that allow smoking but some of them inside that still allow it. I wouldnt say they are overly smokey, just a few people every so often I guess. She said she stayed away from people that smoked there but I know its still really bad and im worried that she has done long term damage to herself and her lungs - During the week she doesnt have any exposure, just on the weekends for a few hours a night. Can she heal back to normal after this or do we always have to worry for the future of respiratory problems?
Hi and thank you for asking. I understand your question. According to the several guidelines it is assumed that passive smoking is nearly like smoking itself in the medical aspect. In your case to be sure if any damage is starting in her lungs she might do a chest X-Ray and a Spirometry test. If they come negative as I believe she does not have to do anything else further but only to stay away from the environment with dust smoke as all of us should do. I do not think that you should worry about the future as she will be without complains as she is now. Thank you Chat Doctor. 