Recovery of the body
Within the first few days after quitting, carbon monoxide and nicotine are eliminated, breathing improves, and the senses of smell and taste improve significantly.
Within two weeks, circulation improves and lung function increases, skin tone recovers, and physical performance rises.
Within a few weeks, stress decreases and sleep quality improves, and mood improve. Breath becomes fresher, gum health improves, and oral inflammation decreases.
Treatment outcomes for gingivitis and periodontitis improve rapidly after quitting smoking.
Within a few months, the cilia in the lungs recover, coughing and mucus production decrease, and lung function improves significantly.
Disease prevention
If you have chronic conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, rheumatic diseases or cancer), quitting smoking may allow medication to be reduced and improve treatment outcomes.
After quitting, the risk of heart attack decreases within 1–2 years and cardiovascular health improves.
The risk of coronary heart disease is halved within 3–6 years.
The risk of stroke decreases to the level of non-smokers within 5–15 years.
The risk of cancers of the mouth and larynx is halved within 5–10 years and lung cancer risk within 10–15 years.
The prognosis of cancer treatments improves, immunity strengthens, and recovery becomes easier at all stages of illness. If you quit before the age of 30–40 years, you can prevent COPD entirely and slow disease progression.
Other benefits
Quitting smoking strengthens the immune system and increases resistance to infections.
The skin regains elasticity and colour as circulation and collagen production improve, helping to prevent premature ageing.
Fertility improves and erectile dysfunction may decrease as circulation and hormonal function improve. Quitting reduces the risk of miscarriage and supports normal fetal development.
Symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases are relieved, recovery from surgery is faster, and the risk of infection decreases. In addition, you save money by quitting smoking and protect those close to you from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.
Cigarette butts and nicotine pouches contain plastic and harmful substances, so quitting reduces littering and environmental burden. Nicotine products are also dangerous to pets and wildlife.
