Introduction
According to the American Heart Association, 47.1 million Americans smoke, putting them at risk for a host of health issues ranging from heart disease to lung cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, nearly one out of every five deaths in the United States is caused by cigarette smoking. To avoid this fate, thousands of people across America every day decide to try to quit. Not only can this decision affect your long-term health, but some health effects can be seen within the first 24 hours.
Nicotine Withdrawal
One of the first things a smoker will experience when they stop smoking is nicotine withdrawal. Once you quit, nicotine can remain in your body for up to three to four days, according to the American Cancer Society. As these nicotine levels fall, your body will encounter intense cravings to return nicotine levels back to what the body has become used to. This desire can create symptoms including dizziness, irritability, anxiety, headaches, depression and trouble sleeping. Once nicotine has finished metabolizing out of the body, these symptoms should subside and be replaced with the various health benefits.
Lungs
One of the largest areas of the body that benefits once you quit smoking are the lungs. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), even within two weeks of quitting, your lung function should increase. As you continue to abstain from cigarettes other lung issues such as shortness of breath and coughing will subside. At 10 years even your chances of developing lung cancer will be cut in half, according to the ALA. Your chances of developing other serious lung diseases, including pneumonia and emphysema, will also be reduced.
Heart
Another part of the body that is affected by smoking cessation is the heart. Smoking cigarettes decreases the levels of oxygen in the blood and increases the levels of carbon monoxide. These levels return to normal within eight hours of quitting. Quitting smoking also decreases your chances of a heart attack and blood vessel disease. The process also lowers your blood pressure, and increases circulation throughout your entire body.
Lifespan
The greatest overall effect of quitting smoking is an increase in your lifespan. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average male smoker loses 13.2 years off his life and the average female smoker loses 14.5 years from smoking. Quitting dramatically increases not only your lifespan, but also improves your quality of life by reducing your risks of smoking related diseases.
