How Quitting Smoking Changes Your Body

HOW QUITTING SMOKING CHANGES YOUR BODY Here's what happens to your body after your last cigarette: 1 TO 9 MONTHS • Coughing and sinus congestion decrease. • Lungs are better able to clear mucus, keep clean and reduce infection. • Overall energy improves. 1 YEAR 2 WEEKS Risk of heart disease drops to half that of a smoker. TO 3 MONTHS • Circulation, lung function and stamina improve. 5 YEARS • Risk of stroke is the same as that of a nonsmoker. • Risks of cançer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder are cut in half. 72 HOURS • Bronchial tubes relax. 48 HOURS • Risk of cervical cancer falls to that of a nonsmoker. • Senses of taste and smell improve. 8 HOURS 10 YEARS • Lung cancer risk is half that of a smoker. • Carbon monoxide in your blood drops while oxygen level increases. • Risk of pancreatic cancer is roughly the same as a nonsmoker's. 20 - 30 MINUTES 15 YEARS • Blood pressure and pulse drop. • Hands and feet start to warm up. • Risk of heart disease is similar to a nonsmoker's. • Risk of death is nearly the same as a nonsmoker's. SOURCES • "Smoking & Tobacco Use,"cdc.gov • "When smokers quit – what are the benefits over time?" cancer.org • "Smoking Cessation: Why You Should Quit," my.clevelandclinic.org • “Pancreatic Cancer Causes and VCVSHealth Risk Factors," webmd.com