What Happens When You Stop Smoking?

21,566,182 views Feb 2, 2017

When you stop smoking, your body undergoes remarkable changes that lead to significant health benefits. Let’s explore the timeline of what happens after you quit:

1. 20 Minutes: Within less than half an hour after your last cigarette, your body starts to improve. Your pulse and blood pressure begin to drop back to normal, and your hands and feet warm up to their usual temperature.
2. 8 Hours: By the end of a workday, your blood has half the amount of nicotine and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, a chemical in cigarettes, crowds out oxygen in your blood. As its levels drop, your oxygen levels return to normal. You might experience early cravings during this time, lasting just 5-10 minutes. Distract yourself with activities like making a craving playlist, chewing gum, or sipping water.
3. 12 Hours: Halfway through your first day, your carbon monoxide level is back to normal. Your heart no longer needs to pump as hard to deliver oxygen to your body.
4. 24 Hours: If you smoke a pack a day, going one full day without a cigarette reduces your risk of having a heart attack. That’s a significant improvement.
5. 48 Hours: Your senses of taste and smell sharpen as nerve endings start to heal. Your lungs also kick out mucus and other residues left from smoking. Withdrawal symptoms may be tougher now, including anxiety, dizziness, hunger, tiredness, and headaches. Stick to your plan and lean on your support network.
6. 3 Days to 2 Weeks: Your body continues to cleanse itself. Nicotine is no longer in your system, and your cravings may persist. Stay committed to your goal.
7. 3-9 Months: Breathing becomes easier as lung function improves. You’ll notice fewer coughing episodes and less shortness of breath.
8. 1 Year: Your risk of heart disease drops significantly. Celebrate this milestone!
9. 5 Years: Your risk of stroke decreases, and your body continues to repair itself.
10. 10 Years: The risk of lung cancer is now half that of a smoker’s. Keep up the good work!
11. 15 Years: Your risk of heart disease is similar to that of a nonsmoker. You’ve come a long way!

Remember, quitting smoking is challenging, but the benefits for your physical and mental health are well worth it. If you experience withdrawal symptoms, know that they’re temporary, and your body is healing. Seek support from friends, family, or quitline services to stay on track. 

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Pervaiz “P. K.” Karim
The Calcutta Kid
https://NewsNow.wiki