Stoptober is a good time to reflect on smoking habits and how to improve health issues related to tobacco use.
Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways you can improve your health and the benefits start almost immediately. And remember, it’s never too late to quit!
The benefits of stopping smoking
After 20 minutes
Blood pressure and pulse are normalised, blood circulation improves.
After 8 hours
Levels of carbon monoxide in the blood decrease.
After 48 hours
Your sense of smell and taste are improving.
After 2 to 3 days
Less or no phlegm in the throat, fewer breathing difficulties.
After 5 to 7 days
Your breath is fresher, your teeth are cleaner and energy levels higher.
After 2 to 3 weeks
Physical withdrawal symptoms will stop, and you can now go several hours without thinking about smoking. Your risk of blood clots (thrombosis) is reduced.
After 4 weeks
Coughing, blocked sinuses and breathing difficulties should subside. The lungs are better able to resist infection.
After 2 to 3 months
Lung function improves by 5%.
After 1 year
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is halved.
After 2 to 3 years
The risk of developing severe pneumonia or flu is the same as for a non-smoker. Your risk of heart disease, angina (chest pains) and stroke continues to fall.
After 5 years
The risk of throat, oesophageal and bladder cancer is halved.
After 5 to 10 years
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease or thrombosis is the same as for a non-smoker.
After 10 years
The risk of lung cancer is halved. The risk of developing osteoporosis decreases.
After 15 to 20 years
The risk of lung, throat, oesophageal or bladder cancer is the same as for a non-smoker. But heavy smokers (20 a day) have double the risk of lung cancer for the rest of their lives.
Help with quitting
If you need any advice or help to stop smoking, you can book an appointment with one of our GPs.
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