Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Diseases caused entirely or partially by smoking remain the world's biggest avoidable risk factor for mortality. Tobacco use is responsible for around 30% of all cancer-related fatalities and almost 90% of lung cancer–related deaths, with current estimates as high as 174,000 cancer-related fatalities from tobacco consumption every year⁸⁴.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

While studies have demonstrated that general health is an essential component of quality of life, it does not correctly reflect overall quality of life, and there is even less knowledge about how smoking impacts global quality of life. Cross-sectional studies demonstrate that smokers have considerably lower psychological health functioning than nonsmokers or former smokers. Furthermore, retroactive findings imply that ex-smokers are happier after stopping than they were when smoking. These findings provide the health benefits of quitting smoking⁸⁵:

1. Physical Improvements.

2. Decreases the chances of disease and death due to cardiovascular disease.

3. Reduces inflammation and hypercoagulability markers.

4. Results in a rapid increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

5. Reduces the occurrence of subclinical atherosclerosis and slows its progression over time⁸⁶.

●  Aesthetic enhancements:  Smoking is related with a range of oral disorders such as poor breath, discolored teeth, and periodontal disease, all of which are swiftly reversible in the initial phases following smoking cessation. Smoking also has dermatological implications, and there are a variety of quick benefits following quitting smoking, such as a decrease in the recurrence of psoriasis, palmoplantar pustulosis, and skin ulcers⁸⁷.

●  Psychosocial Improvements:  There is an indication that quitting smoking is not simply a result of increased self-confidence (or self-efficacy), but that quitting itself promotes changes in both of these thinking patterns within a short timescale.

There are several instant benefits or "quick wins" from quitting smoking, including improved health and well-being, overall well-being and beauty, as well as significant financial savings⁸⁸. Making those who are having difficulties to quit aware of the intense and immediate constructive effects of smoking cessation, as well as requesting them to self-monitor in order to see these advancements for themselves, may enhance their motivation to stay abstinent and provide additional reasons to stick with a quit attempt^{89 90}.

Also, read to know on the 8 complications that are caused due to smoking, here. 

What are the timeline benefits of quitting smoking?

Stopping smoking increases average life expectancy by an average of six hours for each day of smoking avoided after early middle age. It can increase life expectancy by up to ten years in both men and women if they quit smoking in their 30s. This advantage does not become available to most smokers until an older age. Many smokers and governmental institutions who see smoking as a financial expense want to know what advantages might be expected much sooner⁹⁰.

This briefing summarizes research on the advantages that may be anticipated within the first year of quitting smoking:

1.  20 minutes:  Pulse rate will return to normal functioning.

2.  8 hours:  Your oxygen levels begin to function normally, but nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop by more than 50%.

3.  48 hours:  you should notice an improvement in your sensation of taste and smell. As nicotine levels fall, negative symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as anxiousness and restlessness may begin to appear.

4.  72 hours:  Your lungs should begin to relax, making breathing easier. Nicotine has been totally removed from the body, and nicotine cravings have attained their climax.

In conclusion, many ex-smokers say quitting was the most challenging thing they've ever done. So, if you have to smoke, you're most likely addicted to nicotine. Nicotine may be found in all cigarette products. It helps you feel at once peaceful and satiated and alert and concentrated. The more you smoke, the more nicotine you require to feel good. You quickly realize that you don't feel "normal" without nicotine. This is nicotine addiction in action. Breaking away from nicotine addiction takes time. To quit for good may require more than one attempt; however, do not be discouraged. There are many cessation programs and healthcare professionals in addition to nicotine-replacement products that can aid you along the process!

Also, read to know on how smoking affects your lungs, here.

Our aim at Nicorette is to help you quit smoking for good. Find more blogs from our medical professionals and understand why you should embrace your smoke-free journey with us.

Also, read about how you can save money using this smoking budget calculator here.

 References: 

• ⁸⁴ https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/public-health-education/health-effects-tobacco-use

• ⁸⁵ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51870601_Smoking_Cessation_and_Quality_of_Life_Changes_in_Life_Satisfaction_Over_3_Years_Following_a_Quit_Attempt

• ⁸⁶ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/smoking-cessation-fast-facts/index.html

• ⁸⁷ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4085909

• ⁸⁸ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321049328_Quick_Wins_the_short-term_benefits_of_stopping_smoking

• ⁸⁹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3179802

• ⁹⁰ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9356569