Your Body After You Quit Smoking

Posted: Oct. 1, 2005

Quitting makes a huge difference in your health. Studies have found that improvements in how you feel begin within weeks. Over time, you also reduce your risk of developing many diseases.

• 1 to 9 months after you quit smoking, coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. Your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infections.
• 1 year after quitting, your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
• 5 years after quitting, your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
• 10 years after quitting, your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker's. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases.
• 15 years after quitting, your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn't smoke.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.