According to the American Lung Association of Washington (1999) the body goes through many stages once a person stops smoking.
Within 20 minutes of last cigarette:
Blood pressure drops to normal
Pulse drops to normal rate
Body temperature of hands and feet increase to normal
Within 8 hours:
Carbon dioxide level in blood drops to normal
Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
Within 24 hours:
Chance of heart attack decreases
Within 48 hours:
Nerve endings start to regrow
Ability to smell and taste enhances
Within 48 - 72 hours:
Nicotine leaves the body
Within 72 hours:
Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier
Lung capacity increases
Within 2 weeks to 3 months:
Circulation improves
Walking becomes easier
Lung function increases up to 30%
Within 1 to 9 months:
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease.
Cilia regrow in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection .
Body's overall energy level increases