What Happens to You After Quitting Smoking?

Quitting smoking is vital for long-term health. While short-term withdrawal symptoms like headaches, constipation, and insomnia can be challenging, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. Smoking increases the risks of heart disease and cancer, leading to premature death.

Positive effects begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette: blood pressure and pulse normalize. Within eight hours, carbon monoxide levels decrease, and oxygen levels rise. After 24 hours, nicotine levels drop, enhancing heart function.

By 48 hours, damaged nerve endings regrow, improving smell and taste. Within 72 hours, bronchial tubes relax, easing breathing and increasing lung capacity. After a week, carbon monoxide levels return to normal.

Within two weeks, breathing and circulation improve. According to the American Lung Association, lung function can improve by 30%.

After a month, energy levels increase, and symptoms like sinus congestion and shortness of breath diminish. Lung fibers regenerate, reducing mucus and protecting against infections.

Within three months, a woman's fertility can improve. Six months after quitting, handling stress becomes easier, and mucus production decreases.

After a year, lung function improves, easing physical activities and reducing coughing. Additionally, you save money. After three years, your risk of heart disease is halved.

Five years after quitting, your stroke risk is similar to that of a non-smoker, and your risk of certain cancers is halved. After a decade, the risk of lung cancer is halved, and other cancer risks decrease.

Fifteen years after quitting, your heart attack risk matches that of a non-smoker.