It's so important to quit smoking if at all possible. The biggest problem I face with smokers is that their healing process is slowed down after an injury. Let's talk about what happens to a smoker's body after they quit smoking.
Your Body's Healing Process
Within an hour of the last cigarette you smoke, your body will start to get healthier and will continue to heal over time.
As your body begins this healing process, however, you may actually feel worse for a while! This will pass. Remember that withdrawal symptoms are actually signs that your body is recovering.
Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette...
Your blood pressure begins to drop, your pulse rate returns to normal, and your hands and feet warm up to normal body temperature.
8 hours
The oxygen level in your blood increases and the carbon monoxide level drops.
24 hours
Your chance of heart attack may be reduced.
48 hours
Your senses of smell and taste are enhanced.
72 hours
Your lung capacity increases.
2 weeks to 3 months
Your circulation improves and your lung function may increase up to 20 percent.
1 month to 9 months
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath may decrease noticeably as your overall energy level increases. Your lungs begin to work more efficiently.
5 years
The average (one pack a day) smoker’s chances of contracting lung cancer decrease.
10 years
Your chances of contracting other tobacco-related cancers (mouth, bladder, esophagus, pancreas) decrease.
(These are general measures that will vary according to the individual and her smoking habits)
©1996 American Lung Association® of Washington
Within an hour of the last cigarette you smoke, your body will start to get healthier and will continue to heal over time.
As your body begins this healing process, however, you may actually feel worse for a while! This will pass. Remember that withdrawal symptoms are actually signs that your body is recovering.
Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette...
Your blood pressure begins to drop, your pulse rate returns to normal, and your hands and feet warm up to normal body temperature.
8 hours
The oxygen level in your blood increases and the carbon monoxide level drops.
24 hours
Your chance of heart attack may be reduced.
48 hours
Your senses of smell and taste are enhanced.
72 hours
Your lung capacity increases.
2 weeks to 3 months
Your circulation improves and your lung function may increase up to 20 percent.
1 month to 9 months
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath may decrease noticeably as your overall energy level increases. Your lungs begin to work more efficiently.
5 years
The average (one pack a day) smoker’s chances of contracting lung cancer decrease.
10 years
Your chances of contracting other tobacco-related cancers (mouth, bladder, esophagus, pancreas) decrease.
(These are general measures that will vary according to the individual and her smoking habits)
©1996 American Lung Association® of Washington
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