How Does Your Body React When You Quit Smoking?
Introduction
According to the American Cancer Society, about 443,000 people die each year of smoking-related illnesses. Quitting smoking is not always easy. After smoking for an extended period of time, your brain and much of your body is rewired to rely on nicotine. When that supply is cut off, the brain panics in a way that causes withdrawal symptoms. However, within 20 minutes, your body will also begin to react by healing itself of the damage that cigarettes have done over the years.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is the first way your body reacts once you quit smoking. Symptoms of withdrawal may include: irritability, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, dry mouth, tightness in the chest, sore throat, headache and soreness of the mouth and gums. These symptoms are only temporary and can last from 24 to 48 hours. You may also experience cravings for cigarettes. These can last for weeks after quitting, and may not ever fully go away.
Blood Pressure
Most of the ways your body reacts after quitting smoking are positive. The first reaction that occurs not even 20 minutes after your last cigarette is a drop in your blood pressure. Smoking causes high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and other circulatory system problems.
Carbon Monoxide
Those who smoke have much higher levels of carbon monoxide instead of oxygen in their blood. Within 10 hours, this level can drop as much as half and be replaced with healthy oxygen.
Senses
Those who have smoked for a long time usually have an altered sense of smell and taste. After you quit smoking, your body reacts by cleaning and healing the taste buds, and most regular taste will return within two days of smoking.
Circulation
Those who regularly smoke experience a dramatic drop in circulation. Your body depends on the circulation of blood to get oxygen and nutrients to the rest of your body, as well as to give you the energy you need to get through the day. The result of quitting is improved circulation, usually within a couple weeks. You should also notice a boost of energy as well.
Risks
Those who smoke have a much higher risk of both heart attack, lung disease and cancer than those who don't. This is because of the amount of damage that the toxins in cigarettes cause on the heart and lungs. However, the body is able to react by healing itself. In fact, within 10 years, your risks of lung cancer will be the same as a non-smoker. Within 15 years, your risks for heart disease and heart attack will be the same as a non-smoker.
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