POLOKWANE – General Practitioner, Dr Mphuzi Leonard Baloyi says smoking is a harmful habit that can lead to severe health complications and sometimes, death.
“When a person quits smoking, the body will slowly start to heal, naturally, and regain the vitality of a non-smoker, over time. Some effects, such as lowered blood pressure, are seen almost immediately,” he said.
Nicotine is a chemical in the cigarette that is addictive and is mood-boosting, reduces depression and irritability and enhances concentration and short-term memory.
Baloyi explained that when a person quits smoking, their carbon monoxide levels will be normal halfway through their first day adding that their heart will thank them. “It doesn’t have to pump so hard anymore to try to get enough oxygen to your body. If you’re used to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, you’re twice as likely to have a heart attack than that of a non-smoker. But go one full day without a cigarette, and you’ve lowered your chances. That’s huge,” he advised.
He tells REVIEW that other effects such as the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, take years to drop down to the levels of a non-smoker. “Each year of not smoking decreases risks and improves overall health, making quitting smoking an excellent choice for anyone who started the habit,” he said.
Baloyi explained that smokers find it hard to quit smoking and within three days, those who chose to quit will experience moodiness and irritability, severe headaches, and cravings, as the body readjusts. “In as little as one month, a person’s lung function begins to improve. As the lungs heal and lung capacity improves, former smokers may notice less coughing and shortness of breath,” he said.
He adds that after several months of having quit, circulation continues to improve. “After nine months post-quitting, the lungs would have significantly healed themselves. The delicate, hair-like structures inside the lungs known as ‘cilia’ have recovered from the toll cigarette smoke took on them. These structures help push mucus out of the lungs and help fight infections,” he said.
He further adds that many former smokers notice a decrease in the frequency of lung infections because the healed cilia can carry out their jobs easily. “When you eventually quit, it’s likely to crave and have doubts, but that’s perfectly normal. Those cravings usually last just five to 10 minutes. To get you through, try to find ways to distract yourself until the feeling passes. You could try making a craving playlist, chewing gum or sipping water,” he advised.
Other withdrawal symptoms include:
- An intense craving for nicotine.
- A tingling sensation in your hands and feet.
- Swearing.
- Nausea and abdominal pains.
- Headaches.
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
