Strong nicotine cravings: Most people withdrawing from nicotine experience intense urges to smoke.Benefits of quitting smoking over time.10 health benefits of stopping smoking.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Also, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer has reduced to that of someone who has never smoked. Similarly, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer has reduced to the same level as a non-smoker.Īfter 20 years, the risk of death from smoking-related causes, including both lung disease and cancer, drops to the level of a person who has never smoked in their life. The likelihood of developing mouth, throat, or pancreatic cancer has significantly reduced.Īfter 15 years of having quit smoking, the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease is the equivalent of a non-smoker. The risk of stroke will continue to reduce over the next 10 years as the body heals more and more.Īfter 10 years, a person’s chances of developing lung cancer and dying from it are roughly cut in half compared with someone who continues to smoke. This widening means the blood is less likely to clot, lowering the risk of stroke. These same toxins also increase the likelihood of developing blood clots.Īfter 5 years without smoking, the body has healed itself enough for the arteries and blood vessels to begin to widen again. This risk will continue to drop past the 1-year mark.Ĭigarettes contain many known toxins that cause the arteries and blood vessels to narrow. One year after quitting smoking, a person’s risk for coronary heart disease decreases by half. These structures help push mucus out of the lungs and help fight infections.Īround this time, many former smokers notice a decrease in the frequency of lung infections because the healed cilia can do their job more easily. The delicate, hair-like structures inside the lungs known as cilia have recovered from the toll cigarette smoke took on them. Nine months after quitting, the lungs have significantly healed themselves. Athletic endurance increases and former smokers may notice a renewed ability for cardiovascular activities, such as running and jumping.įor the next several months after quitting, circulation continues to improve. As the lungs heal and lung capacity improves, former smokers may notice less coughing and shortness of breath. In as little as 1 month, a person’s lung function begins to improve. Around 3 days after quitting, most people will experience moodiness and irritability, severe headaches, and cravings as the body readjusts. While it is healthier to have no nicotine in the body, this initial depletion can cause nicotine withdrawal. In as little as 2 days after quitting, a person may notice a heightened sense of smell and more vivid tastes as these nerves heal.ģ days after quitting smoking, the nicotine levels in a person’s body are depleted. Smoking damages the nerve endings responsible for the senses of smell and taste. In this short time, a person’s oxygen levels will have risen, making physical activity and exercise easier to do, promoting heart-healthy habits. In as little as 1 day after quitting smoking, a person’s blood pressure begins to drop, decreasing the risk of heart disease from smoking-induced high blood pressure. Smoking also raises blood pressure and increases blood clots, increasing the risk of stroke. Smoking raises the risk of developing coronary heart disease by lowering good cholesterol, which makes heart-healthy exercise harder to do. Just 1 day after quitting smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease. The carbon monoxide level returns to normal, increasing the body’s oxygen levels. When inhaled in large doses in a short time, suffocation can occur from lack of oxygen.Īfter just 12 hours without a cigarette, the body cleanses itself of the excess carbon monoxide from the cigarettes. This gas can be harmful or fatal in high doses and prevents oxygen from entering the lungs and blood. Blood pressure begins to drop, and circulation may start to improve.Ĭigarettes contain a lot of known toxins including carbon monoxide, a gas present in cigarette smoke. In as little as 20 minutes after the last cigarette is smoked, the heart rate drops and returns to normal. As soon as a person stops smoking their body begins to recover in the following ways:

Quitting smoking health timeline