QUITTING SMOKING

QUITTING!  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STOP SMOKING

20 MINUTES AFTER LAST CIGARETTE

• Blood pressure drops to normal.

• Pulse rate drops to normal rate.

• Body temperature of hands and feet increase to normal.

8 HOURS

• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.

• Oxygen level in blood increases to normal.

24 HOURS

• Chances of heart attack decreases.

48 HOURS

• Nerve endings start to regrow.

• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced.

72 HOURS

• Bronchial tubes start to relax, making breathing easier.

• Lung capacity increases.

• Coughing, congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decreases.

• Body’s overall energy increases.

2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS

• Circulation improves.

• Walking becomes easier.

• Lung function increases.

9 MONTHS

• Cilia regrow in lungs.

• Increasing ability to handle mucus, clean lungs, reduces infection.

5 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate for average smoker (one pack a day) decreases from 137 per 100,000 people to 72 per 100,000.

10 YEARS

• Lung cancer death rate for average smoker drops to 12 deaths per 100,000—almost the rate of nonsmokers.

• Precancerous cells are replaced.

• Other cancers—such as those of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas—decrease (There are 30 chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause cancer).