Giving up cigarettes is, hands down, one of the greatest things you can do for your health. Although it's not always easy, the things your body does immediately and long-term are truly astounding, making it worth it for you to try. It's as if you've pushed a reset button, and your body gets to heal, rebuild, and regain its natural energy. So what happens when you butt out that final cigarette? Well, to find out the answers, we spoke to our expert, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician, Shardacare, Health City, Noida and here is everything he shared with us.
What Happens Minutes and Hours After You Quit Smoking?
Dr Tyagi highlighted that the magic of your body's healing ability after you quit smoking is visible almost immediately. Here is a minute bifercation:
- 20 Minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure, which have been raised by nicotine, start to decline to normal levels. Your circulation begins to get better, and the temperature in your hands and feet could rise.
- 8 Hours: The levels of carbon monoxide in your blood drop substantially. Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas in cigarette smoke, combines with red blood cells, impairing their oxygen-carrying capacity. With the decline, oxygen levels in your blood start to return to normal.
- 24 Hours: Your chances of having a heart attack begin to decline. This is a giant leap, as cardiovascular disease is heavily attributed to smoking. Nerve endings start to grow back, and your taste and smell may begin to return to normal.
- 48 Hours: Your nerve endings are beginning to mend, and you are starting to be able to smell and taste better. You may even be enjoying the subtle flavours and aromas of food and perfumes once more.
What Happens Weeks and Months After You Quit Smoking?
As the weeks become months, your body continues to do its amazing repair work:
- 2 to 12 Weeks: Your blood flow continues to improve dramatically. Walking and other exercises become less strenuous as your lung capacity is augmented by up to 30%. The breathlessness and coughing bouts that once plagued you will probably soon be minimised.
- 1 to 9 Months: The cilia, tiny hair-like fibres that line your airways and clear out mucus and debris, start to function normally again. This causes a decrease in coughing, sinus congestion, exhaustion, and shortness of breath. Your body is now in a position to better combat infections. You will begin to feel an improvement in your overall level of energy.
What Happens Years After You Quit Smoking?
“The longer you remain smoke-free, the more significant the long-term health gains are,” Dr Tyagi added. Here’s what happens:
- 1 Year: You halve the risk of coronary heart disease versus a smoker. This is a significant landmark protecting your cardiovascular health.
- 5 Years: Your stroke risk is the same as a non-smoker. The risk of mouth, throat, oesophagus, and bladder cancers is also reduced by half.
- 10 Years: Your chances of dying from lung cancer are roughly half that of someone who continues to smoke. Your risk of larynx and pancreas cancer also falls.
- 15 Years: Your risk of coronary heart disease equals that of a non-smoker. Your general health and life expectancy have greatly increased, reaching levels close to someone who never smoked.
What Happens After You Quit Smoking Beyond Physical Health
While the physical gains are remarkable, stopping smoking also has an abundance of psychological and social benefits:
- Better Looks: Smoking is responsible for premature ageing, wrinkles, and yellow teeth. Stopping smoking may result in improved skin tone and a whiter smile.
- Financial Independence: Consider all the money you will save! This can be spent on items you like, alleviating financial anxiety.
- Increased Self-Esteem: Conquering an addiction is a strong accomplishment that increases self-esteem and a feeling of success.
- Improved Relationships: Smoker-free friends and relatives will thank you for your improved way of life, and you'll no longer put loved ones at risk zone for secondhand smoke.
- Increased Energy and Vigour: With better lung efficiency and circulation, you'll have greater endurance for daily tasks and activities.
Quitting smoking is a journey, and like any journey, it may have its ups and downs. Withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, but remember that they are a temporary sign that your body is healing. Each cigarette you don't light is one closer to a healthier, happier, and longer life. Your body is a remarkable piece of equipment, with the capacity to recover miraculously. Provide it with the opportunity it merits, stop smoking today, and breathe in the new life.