Say No To Tobacco

19.05.2019 Category: News Author: Dr Belinda Griffiths

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.