1 year ago
What happens after the last cigarette?
Learn what happens in the body when you quit smoking and how long the recovery takes.
Quitting smoking has very many positive effects on the body. Shortly after the last cigarette, many processes and functions in the body improve. Over time, more and more processes will normalize and the body will fully recover.
How quickly your body recovers after quitting smoking
Already after 20 minutes the first effects are noticeable
Your pulse and blood pressure normalize, your blood circulation improves.
After 12 hours without smoking
Carbon monoxide levels decrease and oxygen levels return to normal.
24 hours without cigarettes
Your heart rate normalizes and the risk of heart attack begins to decrease.
48 hours after quitting smoking, recovery continues
The reduced sense of smell and taste begins to recover. Smells are perceived better and food tastes more intense again.
After 3 days
Breathing becomes easier again. Lung function improves and breathing returns to normal.
After 4 days
Physical withdrawal is complete.
14 days without cigarettes
Physical withdrawal is complete.
21 days completed
Mental health has improved, irritability and feelings of stress have normalized.
4 weeks after quitting smoking
The appearance of the skin has visibly improved and the aging process of the skin has slowed down again.
8 weeks smoke-free
Insulin resistance has returned to normal.
10 weeks and the body continues to recover
Physical fitness has improved noticeably.
3 months and another success
Psychological dependence has been overcome. Situations and activities are now no longer associated with smoking.
9 months after quitting smoking
The lungs can clean themselves well again and the risk of infection has decreased. In addition, the immune system has stabilized and susceptibility to infections has decreased overall.
After 5 years
The risk of suffering a stroke is now the same as for a non-smoker.
10 years and regeneration continues
The risk of developing lung cancer has been halved.
15 years without cigarettes
The risk of cardiovascular disease is the same as for non-smokers.
Conclusion
Those who quit smoking and successfully implement this resolution will notice a rapid and comprehensive improvement in their health, regardless of age. Some of these positive changes occur immediately, while others take time to become noticeable. However, there is no doubt that quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health.
References
American Heart Association. (2017). The Benefits of Quitting Smoking Now
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco/the-benefits-of-quitting-smoking-nowAmerican Lung Association. (2021). Health Effects of Smoking and Tobacco Products
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effectsTags
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