How can I check if smoking has damaged my health seriously?

[Sulejman]

I just stopped smoking, I am 22 and I smoked for about 8 years on and off, now I am short of breath, how can I check if it has done any permanant damage to my health, also how can I check lung capacity etc..., how long should I be able to hold my breath for?

 

[tazz]

It has damaged your health seriously but the body is very good at recovering! The fact you have stopped so early is a really good thing for your long term health it means your unlikely to get lung cancer and your lungs will get better in a year or so! So long as you keep off the smokes!