Signs that occur after quitting smoking may vary among people, depending on how much and how long they smoked. The first signs show up because the nicotine that smokers have become addicted to is slowly leaving the body. Some of the first signs you feel may be negative because your body is craving nicotine. Other signs may be more positive as you feel the health benefits of not smoking.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal period is the most difficult part for many ex-smokers. Symptoms can start within hours and peak in about two or three days, the American Cancer Society (ACS) says. Symptoms may include frustration, impatience and anger. Anxiety, depression and irritability are also common. You may have difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, fatigue and chest tightness. There may be coughing and a feeling of a dry mouth or sore throat. Restlessness, boredom and insomnia can occur.
Urges to Smoke
You may get urges for a cigarette now and then. Physical urges occur because of the nicotine addiction a smoker deals with, the American Heart Association (AHA) explains. Your body may still be telling you it needs a cigarette once in a while. A physical urge may last for a minute or less, the AHA says. It is part of the withdrawal process and the physical urges will pass over time. However, emotional urges can surprise you with a sneak attack. They may happen during times you were used to smoking. You may have smoked when you were nervous, wanted to reward yourself or felt bored. Mental urges are easier to deal with than physical cravings, but they can increase the risk of grabbing another cigarette.
Feeling Healthier
Your body is already providing you with physical benefits after you quit. Your heart rate and blood pressure drop just 20 minutes after the last cigarette, the ACS notes. Within two weeks to three months after quitting, circulation and lung function improve. Soon after quitting, you will notice your breath and clothes smell better without the smoke odor. Food will start tasting better and your sense of smell begins to return to normal. You will start to notice that physical activities don't leave you so out of breath. Smoker's cough begins to decrease. Weight gain is a problem for some ex-smokers, but dieting while you are quitting smoking may cause too much stress, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Keeping low-fat snacks available and being more physically active will help keep the pounds off.
