The benefits of quitting smoking

Currently in Great Britain one sixth of the population are smokers (around 10 million people) and every year, about 100,000 smokers die in the UK because of smoking related causes. (Reference)

The estimated cost to the National Health Service in England each year is around £2 Billion, underlining the scale of the resources required by health services to manage smoking related health problems. It is clear that, if more people stopped smoking, healthcare organisations would have more resources to deal with other issues. (Reference)

The short and long term health benefits of stopping smoking are exponential and can help people have a better quality of life, but even though people know this, it is still extremely hard to give up the habit.

With all this in mind however, knowing the exact benefits of not smoking and the length of time it takes to reap the rewards of being smoke free, can be a good start to get people on their non-smoking journey.

Below is an info-graphic of what and where the benefits are and will occur:

After 20 minutes

Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

After 8 hours

Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half and oxygen levels return to normal.

After 48 hours

Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris. There is no nicotine in the body. The ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

After 72 hours

Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

After 2-12 weeks

Circulation improves

After 3-9 months

Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by 10%

After 5 years

Risk of heart attack falls to about half compared with a person who is still smoking.

After 10 years

Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Further Information

If you require more information on quitting smoking, Ashtons has recently created an informative and innovative guide on smoking cessation, which can be ordered here.

Ashtons also offers an array of products that will aid patients with smoking cessation, and help them quit smoking for good. You can view our whole range of smoking cessation products on our Online Ordering Website.

If you require additional help with establishing a smoke-free healthcare environment, please call us on 0845 222 3550.