Quitting smoking is a challenging but worthwhile endeavor. Here’s a general timeline of what you can expect after quitting smoking:
First 20 minutes to 12 hours
Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate and blood pressure start to decrease.
After 8 hours, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease, allowing oxygen levels to return to normal.
24 to 48 hours
- Your body starts to eliminate nicotine and its byproducts.
- Your sense of smell and taste begins to improve.
2 weeks to 3 months
- Circulation improves, and lung function increases.
- You may experience reduced coughing and shortness of breath.
- Your risk of heart attack starts to decrease.
1 to 9 months
- Cilia, tiny hair-like structures in the lungs, regain normal function, helping to clear mucus and reduce the risk of infections.
- Lung function continues to improve.
1 year
Your risk of coronary heart disease is halved compared to that of a smoker.
5 years
- Your risk of stroke is significantly reduced.
- The risk of various cancers, such as lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder, decreases.
- The risk of cervical cancer also decreases.
10 years
- Your risk of dying from lung cancer is approximately half that of a smoker.
- The risk of other smoking-related cancers, such as those affecting the pancreas, kidney, and liver, decreases.
- The risk of developing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) decreases.
15 years
Your risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of a nonsmoker.
It’s important to note that everyone’s quitting journey is different, and individual experiences may vary. Additionally, it’s essential to stay committed to a smoke-free lifestyle and maintain healthy habits to fully reap the benefits of quitting smoking.
