20
MINUTES
Heart rate and blood pressure levels drop .
HOW YOUR BODY HEALS ITSELF AFTER YOU QUIT SMOKING
12
HOURS
Carbon monoxide levels drop back to normal .
48
HOURS
Nerve endings begin to regenerate .
You can smell and taste better .
2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
Risk of heart attack begins to lower .
Blood flow improves .
Lung function increases .
1-9
MONTHS
Coughing and shortness of breath decrease .
Airway cilia start working to clean the lungs and reduce infection risk .
1
YEAR
Risk of coronary heart disease is half of a smoker ’ s risk .
5
YEARS
Cancer risk for mouth , throat , esophagus , and bladder are cut in half .
Cervical cancer and stroke risk are like a nonsmoker ’ s .
Coronary heart disease risk drops to non-smoker level .
10
YEARS
Risk of dying from lung cancer is about half of a smoker ’ s .
Pancreas and voice box cancer risk decreases .
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU QUIT
Be prepared : Side effects start as nicotine leaves your body . Nicotine withdrawal isn ’ t fun , but it is temporary . It ’ s a sign that your body is returning to better health . Most side effects last 3-5 days , but some may last a few weeks .
• Cravings : Each only lasts a few minutes , so focus on something else – have a drink of water , or suck on a straw .
• Difficulty sleeping / thinking : This can lead to fatigue , which may result in dizziness , difficulty concentrating , and memory problems , all of which may last 2 weeks .
• Constipation : About 1 in 6 people have this , and it lasts 1-2 weeks .
• Mood changes : Anxiety , depression , and irritability – get support by calling your doctor or the Quitline .
• Head and body aches : Last a few days and can be helped with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cough : Your lungs are getting cleaned out ; a cough drop may help ease this .
• Increased hunger : Eat fruits and vegetables so you don ’ t gain weight .