Researchers have calculated 8.6 million people in the United States have at least one serious illness caused by smoking, according to the American Lung Association. Quitting smoking is not easy and it might take more than one try before you are successful. The benefits of quitting far outweigh smoking.
Withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine is a drug and smokers will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking. These symptoms include dizziness, irritability, sleep problems, trouble concentrating and restlessness.
Immediate benefits
When you stop smoking the smell of your breath improves and your clothes and your hair smell better. The yellowing of your fingers and nails will fade and your teeth will become whiter.
Body changes
After 20 minutes your blood pressure returns to normal. Within 48 hours your sense of smell and taste return to normal.
Long term
Within two weeks to three months your circulation and lung function improves. In one year your risk of developing coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.
Cancer
Ten years after quitting the risk of developing lung cancer is half that of a smoker. Your risks of mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix and pancreas is also decreased by half.
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