Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, the body begins to repair itself. Dr Shivaraj A L explains that carbon monoxide levels drop, allowing oxygen to reach organs more efficiently. The risk of heart attack starts to decrease as blood pressure and heart rate normalize.
First Week After Quitting
After one week, taste and smell improve as nerve endings recover. Lung function begins to increase, making breathing easier. Withdrawal symptoms like cravings and irritability peak but gradually subside.
One Month to One Year
Between one month and one year, cilia in the lungs regrow, reducing infection risk. Circulation improves, and energy levels rise. After one year, the risk of coronary heart disease is halved compared to a smoker, according to Dr Shivaraj A L.
Long-Term Benefits
Within five years, stroke risk drops to that of a non-smoker. After ten years, lung cancer risk is about half that of a continuing smoker. Dr Shivaraj emphasizes that quitting at any age yields significant health gains.
