Noticing The Effects Of Quitting Smoking

Although smoking can cause severe damage to your body, it is possible to repair to regenerate and you will start the notice the benefits of giving up smoking very quickly. Here is an idea of what you can expect when you give up smoking (these figures are based on the average smoker):

  • 20 minutes: after just 20 minutes, your pulse will stabilise.
  • 8 hours: after 8 hours, the levels of carbon monoxide in your bloodstream will decrease by more than 50 per cent and the oxygen levels in your blood will go back to normal.
  • 48 hours: your lungs work hard to clear any deposits and debris and within 48 hours, carbon monoxide levels will have decreased significantly (to almost normal levels) and your lungs will have cleared out mucus and other forms of debris.
  • 3 days: just 3 days after giving up, you will notice that you are able to breathe easier and your skin will look brighter and healthier. 
  • 2-12 weeks: your circulation is improving all the time and you’ll notice that your energy levels increase and you feel less breathless, especially when you walk quickly or jog. 
  • 3-9 months: your lung function will have improved by around 10 per cent and you’ll notice major differences when you walk, jog or play sport. You should also notice that your breathing has improved and you are less susceptible to coughs and infections. 
  • 12 months: you will have halved your risk of suffering a heart attack. 
  • 10 years: your risk of developing lung cancer will have halved.
  • 15 years: your risk of a heart attack falls to the same as a non-smoker. 

« Benefits Of Giving Up Smoking Dangers Of Passive Smoking »