Recovery in the body begins in the first minutes after quitting smoking

Smoking continues to stand out among preventable diseases and causes of premature death. However, experts emphasize that for people who have smoked for many years, quitting is not a "too late" step.

Batıgöz Health Group Balçova Surgical Medical Center Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Sedat Bayrakçı stated that the body begins to repair itself from the very first minutes after quitting smoking. According to Bayrakçı, knowing this process can provide significant motivation for people who want to quit smoking.

CHANGE BEGINS IN THE FIRST 20 MINUTES

In the first 20 minutes after quitting smoking, heart rate and blood pressure begin to approach normal levels. In the first hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood decreases while the amount of oxygen increases. It is stated that after approximately 24 hours, carbon monoxide is largely removed from the body, and the lungs enter the process of clearing accumulated mucus.

Many people think that nothing will change in their body when they quit smoking. However, the healing process begins in the first minutes after quitting smoking.

Within the first two days, as nicotine is largely cleared from the body, a noticeable improvement in the senses of taste and smell can be seen. However, during this period, symptoms related to nicotine withdrawal such as cravings for cigarettes, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite may also be experienced. Experts state that these symptoms are a natural part of the quitting process and that seeking professional support when needed can facilitate the process.

One of the effects of smoking on the respiratory system is that it weakens the natural cleaning mechanism in the lungs. With the microscopic hairs called "cilia" in the airways starting to work again, a temporary increase in coughing may be seen in the first weeks of the quitting process. This is often considered part of the lung cleansing process.

Between approximately 2 weeks and 3 months, improvement in lung function can begin; a reduction in shortness of breath and relief in physical activities can be seen. In the long term, there may be a gradual decrease in the risks associated with coronary heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. It is stated that at the end of the tenth year, the risk of death from lung cancer can be significantly reduced compared to those who continue to smoke.

Bayrakçı pointed out that some structural lung damage may not fully recover in people who have been heavy smokers for many years, emphasizing that individuals in the risk group, in particular, should not neglect regular physician check-ups.

Pointing out that electronic cigarettes are not a safe alternative, Bayrakçı noted that the goal in the process of quitting smoking is not to expose the lungs to new chemical substances, but to support the natural healing of the respiratory system.

After quitting smoking, regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate water consumption, and avoiding secondhand smoke can support the healing process. In cases of symptoms such as a cough lasting longer than three weeks, persistent shortness of breath, bloody sputum, or unexplained weight loss, it is recommended to consult a chest diseases specialist without delay.