Wonderful Things That Happened After You Quit Smoking

What Quitting Smoking Does To Your Body. A Timeline - DoctorOnCall

Cigarettes are the most cruel "silent killer ". It is detrimental to the health of not only smokers, but people around them, causing various diseases such as lung cancer that can lead to death. Unfortunately, for those who have been smoking for a long time, the phrase "quit smoking" is certainly a scary delusion and considered impossible.

The effects of sudden deprivation of nicotine in the body from smoking cessation, might be the reason why people are afraid to quit smoking. Based on the experience of sudden smoking cessation, quitting can be hard for some smokers because of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Besides, they think that it is maybe too late for them to turn back the clock and for that, they choose the smoking lifestyle even with the harmful side effects. Well, this is not the right way. This article will parse the changes that might happen to you after you had your last cigarette, according to the timeline. Maybe it will change the perception of your mind. 

A Timeline of Health Benefits After Your Last Cigarette

  • 20 Minutes After You Quit Smoking

Your health level will increase starting 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your pulse and blood pressure will start to return to its normal level. Don't be surprised, as early as 20 minutes!

Additionally, the cilia (fine radius) on your previously immobilized airway because being constantly exposed to cigarette smoke will start to move back. This is beneficial for the lungs because this cilia helps to filter dust, and bacteria out of the lungs, thus helping to reduce the risk of infection.

  • 8 Hours  After You Quit Smoking

The level of carbon monoxide in your body will return to normal within 8 hours after your last cigarette. Carbon monoxide is a chemical found in cigarette smoke. It replaces the oxygen particles in the blood while lowering the amount of oxygen received by the tissues in your body. When carbon monoxide is lost, the oxygen level in your body begins to rise, reaching a normal level. This increase in oxygen is channeled back to the tissues and blood vessels that lack oxygen during your smoking.

  • 24 Hours (1 Day) After You Quit Smoking

After 24 hours, your risk of heart disease will decrease. The risk of developing heart disease among smokers is higher than that of non-smokers. In addition, nicotine levels in your body will also gradually decrease. Oxygen in the body will increase making your physical activity feel easier. 

  • 48 Hours (2 Days) After You Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause peripheral nerve damage that works for the senses of taste and smell. After 48 hours of not smoking, you can feel your sense of smell and taste get better. You will also enjoy delicious food perfectly as your senses recover.

  • 72 Hours (3 Days) After You Quit Smoking

After 3 days of quitting smoking, you will find that your breathing becomes better and easier because your lungs have started to relax. Nicotine levels in your body will drop completely during this time. Due to the lower nicotine levels, you will feel less comfortable with yourself as a result of nicotine withdrawal symptoms , such as colds, coughs and headaches. However, it is a good sign and a high achievement for you! You can do something as a symbol of appreciation for yourself such as buying a new shirt or going out to eat with a loved one. Remember, this moment is critical because the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal symptoms can make a person give up. Find out if you're dependent on nicotine with this quiz!


  • 1 Week After You Quit Smoking

Smoking cessation effect after a week not only viewed from in terms of body health only. However, it is a measure of your success to quit smoking. Most smokers who quit smoking after 1 week, successfully quit permanently.This means you have the opportunity to quit smoking for the rest of your life if you can reach a period of time 1 week due to declining nicotine addiction. Find out more if you are dependent on nicotine here!

  • 2 Weeks After You Quit Smoking

Your blood circulation will improve. You may also notice that physical activity becomes easier. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body.

  • 1 Month After You Quit Smoking

You will experience many health changes in just one month after quitting. You will also be more energetic in doing any job. Furthermore, smoking-related symptoms such as sinusitis and shortness of breath during exercise will be reduced. Your lungs are getting better and the risk of bacterial infection decreases.

  • 3 Months After You Quit Smoking

After 3 months, fertility levels for women increase and reduce the risk of premature birth. Besides, quit smoking also increases male fertility. For couples who want an offspring, if you have a partner who smokes, quitting the smoking habit is the best way.

  • 6 Months After You Quit Smoking

After six months since you had your last cigarette, you may feel  easier to deal with stress even without smoking. Symptoms of cough and mucus will also decrease. This is because the airways are no longer exposed to smoke and chemical substances in cigarettes.

  • 1 Year After You Quit Smoking

At this time, the risk of heart disease will be reduced by up to 50%. You may continue taking good care of your health  by eating a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

  • 5 Years After You Quit Smoking

After five years, the benefits of quitting the smoking habit can reduce the risk of stroke.  Blood circulation in your body will improve. This is because your blood vessels are no longer exposed to toxins, nicotine and chemicals from cigarette smoke which causes it to become narrow. At this time, your blood vessels will become smoother. In addition, the risk of lung cancer is also reduced.

  • 10 Years After You Quit Smoking

After a decade, the risk of death due to lung cancerwill be reduced. Previously damaged cells will be replaced with healthy cells. More than that, the risk of other smoking-related diseases such as cancers of the mouth, esophagus, bladder, kidneys and pancreas will also be reduced. 

  • 15 Years After You Quit Smoking

After 15 years, your risk for heart attacks and strokes have been decreased which is believed to be similar to the risk  of  non-smokers. Your body will definitely feel fresher without cigarette poisoning your body. 

  • 20 Years After You Quit Smoking

Risk of death from diseases caused by smoking cigarettes such as lung diseases and cancer will decrease. Your risk percentage is now the same as non-smokers.


Following the timeline of the effects of quitting smoking, we hope that you are more enthusiastic and motivated to quit smoking. In addition, smoking cessation effects on the face will also make you feel more confident with a healthier and fitter appearance. Therefore, the right time to quit smoking is now. Get support from your family members, friends and doctors to start a new lifestyle that is not smoking. For every success you achieve at a certain timeline after quitting smoking, you can give yourself credit as a motivation for you to continue quitting the smoking habit forever.Get help from a doctor to quit smoking today!

Thinking of quitting? Consult our doctor for FREE!




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