When you quit smoking, your body begins to heal almost immediately, with numerous health benefits unfolding over time: Within minutes to hours:
- Just 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure start to drop toward normal levels
- Within 8 to 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal, allowing oxygen levels to increase, which helps nourish tissues and blood vessels
- After 12 hours, your body has eliminated excess carbon monoxide, improving oxygen delivery
Within days:
- Within 24 to 48 hours, nicotine is cleared from your bloodstream, and your lungs begin clearing out mucus. Your senses of taste and smell start to improve
- Around 72 hours, bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier, and your energy levels increase
- Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, and cravings may peak during this time
Within weeks to months:
- After 2 weeks to 3 months, circulation improves and lung function increases, making physical activities easier
- Coughing and shortness of breath decrease within 1 to 9 months as lung function can improve by up to 10%
- Skin complexion may improve, and wrinkles may reduce after about a month
Within the first year:
- By the end of the first year, your risk of heart attack is reduced by half compared to when you smoked
- Your lungs continue to heal, and you experience better overall respiratory health
Long-term benefits (years after quitting):
- After 5 to 10 years, your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, and kidney decreases significantly
- After 10 years, your risk of lung cancer is about half that of a smoker, and your risk of stroke decreases
- After 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of someone who has never smoked
Additional benefits:
- Quitting smoking also improves mental health, leading to a more positive mood and reduced stress and anxiety
- Quitting can add up to 10 years to your life compared to continuing smoking
In summary, quitting smoking triggers rapid improvements in cardiovascular and respiratory functions, reduces cancer risks over time, and enhances overall health and well-being
