Scientists have recently found out that some people still have healthy lungs despite years of smoking because of certain mutations in their lung DNA. 

The BBC reported that the study was conducted by the British based Medical Research Council who are trying to develop new medicines to combat various lung diseases such as cancer.

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The researchers cautioned that only a small number of smokers are blessed with the mutated gene. Smokers, especially heavy smokers, are likely to develop lung problems in the future. The study has also revealed that even non-smokers can develop complications in their lungs.

One of the most common lung ailments is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Persons suffering from COPD have difficulty breathing and tend to have repeated coughing fits and infections. Many have also developed other lung diseases such as bronchitis or emphysema.

In Britain alone, the number of persons suffering from COPD is estimated to be around three million.

Leicester University professor and one of the study's author Martin Tobin said a person's gene will determine how the lungs will respond to health threats such as smoking and diseases.

He also told reporters that researchers have not yet discovered any drug that can protect smokers from the dangers of cigarettes and cigars. Generally, people, who do not smoke will always have healthier lungs in contrast to smokers.

Most Smokers still face the risk of long term health problems such as heart and lung ailments as well as cancer.

Interestingly, the researchers believe that they have stumbled on certain genes that are quite prevalent to most smokers. The particular gene somehow has a way of making a person easily succumb to the effects of nicotine. The finding, however, is not yet conclusive.

British Lung Foundation Lead Researcher Ian Jarrold said the study has provided scientists valuable insights about the inner workings of the lungs. He said that taking into account various people's genes will help medical doctors create innovative ways to treat lung ailments.

Most of the DNA and health information were taken from participants of Britain's Biobank project. Details of the study can be found online at the Lancet Respiratory Medicine site.

TagsSmokers, Lung problems, healthy smokers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, copd, Lung Cancer, Bronchitis, emphysema, smokers gene