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Valencian Smokers' Lungs Age Almost 16 Years Faster

A report reveals that the lung function of Valencian smokers is significantly lower than their biological age, highlighting the damage caused by tobacco.

Image of a lung showing signs of accelerated aging due to smoking.
IA

Image of a lung showing signs of accelerated aging due to smoking.

Valencian smokers exhibit an average lung age of 71.9 years, nearly 16 years older than their biological age, according to a report based on a pharmacy campaign.

The lungs of Valencian smokers show accelerated aging, with an average age almost 16 years higher than their biological age. This is revealed by a report based on a health campaign conducted in Spanish community pharmacies, which quantifies the silent damage caused by tobacco.
The initiative, presented by Adamed on World No Tobacco Day, indicates that while the average biological age of participants is 56.3 years, the average lung age reaches 71.9 years. The study involved 1,595 smokers from across Spain, aiming to measure lung function.
One of the most alarming findings is that 78.95% of the smokers analyzed had altered lung function, indicating significant deterioration in respiratory capacity. Lung age is used as a simple visual indicator to explain spirometry results to patients, showing whether their lungs are functioning adequately for their age or suffering from premature aging.
Smoking is considered a chronic and addictive disease, and one of the main public health threats in Spain, linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer, resulting in thousands of deaths annually. Raúl de Simón Gutiérrez, a Family Doctor and coordinator of SEMERGEN's National Tobacco Group, emphasizes the toxicity of tobacco, which risks both smokers and passive smokers.
The report also addresses the degree of addiction. 60.9% of respondents light their first cigarette within half an hour of waking up, a key indicator of addiction. Manuel Niño Camacho, a General and Family Doctor, stresses that quitting smoking is the most effective measure against lung deterioration, warning of symptoms like difficulty breathing or walking, which many mistakenly attribute to age.
The campaign highlights the role of healthcare professionals. Guillermo Estrada, a community pharmacist specializing in smoking cessation, points out that pharmacies can identify smokers, understand their circumstances, and support them in quitting. The key message is that tobacco damage can progress without the smoker being fully aware, making lung health checks and seeking professional support crucial.

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