The Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Good Reasons for Smokers to Quit the Habit of Cigarettes
Aug 22, 2009
Smoking is an unhealthy, dangerous and addictive habit that has killed millions of people. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, circulatory problems, fertility and pregnancy problems, and premature aging of the skin. However, the health benefits of quitting smoking can be enormous, and even after years of heavy smoking, smokers can greatly reduce their chances of developing serious smoking-related diseases if they quit cigarettes.
General Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking
A smoker will experience noticeable health benefits when he or she quits smoking. Lung and heart function will improve, and shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing will be less frequent. An ex-smoker will have more energy, feel fitter, and find that walking and other physical activities become easier. Blood flow to hands and feet will become normal as circulation improves.
Smokers who quit will increase their resistance to infection and be less likely to get colds, flu, pneumonia and bronchitis. They will also reduce their risk of other conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, gum disease, tooth loss and osteoporosis. Quitting smoking creates a healthier environment for people who do not smoke, reducing their risk of a smoking-related illness due to breathing in second hand smoke.
Quitting Smoking Reduces the Risk of Life Threatening Diseases
Quitting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer and other cancers such as mouth, throat, oesophagus, pancreas, bladder and cervix. It also lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. If a smoker is already suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, his or her health can still be improved. Quitting smoking will slow down the speed at which lung function declines.
According to Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), after one year of quitting smoking, the risk of having a heart attack is half that of a smoker. After 15 years of quitting smoking, the risk of an ex-smoker having a heart attack is the same as someone who has never smoked. After 10 years of not smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer is half that of a smoker.
Reasons to Quit Smoking Before or During Pregnancy
It is wise to quit smoking if trying for a baby, as it will improve fertility and the chances of conception. Smoking during pregnancy affects the health of the foetus, therefore quitting smoking early on in pregnancy, or preferably before, increases the chances of having a healthy baby. A pregnant woman who quits smoking is more likely to have a baby of healthy weight, lessen the risk of a premature birth, and reduce the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.
It is just as important not to smoke after having a baby, otherwise the child may suffer adverse health effects. If babies and young children are raised in a smoke free environment, they are less likely to suffer from asthma, glue ear, coughing and wheezing, chest infections, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and allergies, than if one or both parents smoke. Quitting smoking also decreases the risk of cot death.
Quitting smoking reduces the risk of getting a serious smoking-related disease, and brings with it huge health benefits. The earlier a smoker quits smoking, the better, but it is never too late to give up. Nicotine replacement therapy can be a useful aid to giving up, and a stop smoking plan may also help. For advice about how to help a friend or family member stop smoking, read How to Help Someone Quit Smoking.
Resources:
- ASH. "Stopping Smoking: The Benefits and Aids to Quitting." (Accessed 22nd August, 2009)
- NHS. "Why Go Smokefree?" (Accessed 22nd August, 2009)
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