COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
What happens after you quit smoking? The benefits of quitting smoking timeline:
20 MINUTES
Blood pressure drops to normal
Pulse rate drops to normal
Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal
8 HOURS
Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
24 HOURS
Chance of heart attack decreases
48 HOURS
Nerve endings start regrowing
Ability to smell and taste is enhanced
2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
Circulation improves
Walking becomes easier
Lung function increases up to 30 percent
1 TO 9 MONTHS
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
Body's overall energy increases
1 YEAR
Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
5 YEARS
Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker five to 15 years after quitting
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's
10 YEARS
Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker
Precancerous cells are replaced
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, cervix, and pancreas decreases
15 YEARS
Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.
Hope this helps someone, I am sure its has been posted before.
Quit smoking, Breath more easily,
and Have a great Day,
Holly
20 MINUTES
Blood pressure drops to normal
Pulse rate drops to normal
Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal
8 HOURS
Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
24 HOURS
Chance of heart attack decreases
48 HOURS
Nerve endings start regrowing
Ability to smell and taste is enhanced
2 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS
Circulation improves
Walking becomes easier
Lung function increases up to 30 percent
1 TO 9 MONTHS
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
Body's overall energy increases
1 YEAR
Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
5 YEARS
Lung cancer death rate for an average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker five to 15 years after quitting
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's
10 YEARS
Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a non-smoker
Precancerous cells are replaced
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, cervix, and pancreas decreases
15 YEARS
Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.
Hope this helps someone, I am sure its has been posted before.
Quit smoking, Breath more easily,
and Have a great Day,
Holly
I'm at 5 years and half as likely to get lung cancer. Now there's something to celebrate.
I dont think about that much, but I do think about giving my self the very best quality of life I can.
So, quit smoking, eat well, exercise and enjoy friends, family and the pleasures life presents.
Holly
For someone already diagnosed with emphystema and who still smokes will notice their symptoms more rapidly advancing than one who has stopped smoking. I thought you knew that already.
Hang in there JSTorch!! I used the nicotine patches for way longer than it said to.....used them until I was comfortable I had broken the hand to mouth with a cigarette. I convinced my mind I still had all the nicotine I usually smoked in cigs per day which I actually did. Then finally after using the 7mg (lowest doses) for quite awhile.....I QUIT!
barbaralou
Now, I just continue to improve and breathing is really good...not as good as it once was but nothing to complain about...and it didn't get better till I quit smoking.
Pulm doc said "You have actually stopped the progress of this disease and i don't need to see you for a year and I expect to find no problems then"
God Bless and Good breathing to all.
Sadly most here due to our old bad habits are paying enough of a price. And those with genetics, chemical injuries, etc ,are here with us paying the same price.
What better place to pull together as we all learn to live with this disease ?
Thanks again Holly for posting this.
She seems to like taking cheap shots at people!
I would stick to your own problems!
Since you got enough of them!