What To Expect When You Stop Smoking

Coughing:

This is your body’s way of “cleaning house.” Try using cough drops and/or syrups. This should only last a few days.

 

Tightness in the chest:

Because your body is getting fresher air than it’s used to, the extra air fills the lungs and makes them feel tighter. This symptom should last just a day or two.

 

Problems with sleep:

You are becoming healthier; your body has more energy. You’ll need fewer hours of sleep, and you’ll get more restful sleep.

 

Irritability:

When the nicotine in your body declines, your body begins to sense the loss, causing inner changes and tension. Deep breathing should help.

 

Mouth sores:

Caused by chemical changes in the mouth, which has had to withstand the endless attacks of hot smoke. Sores should go away in a few days.

 

Lack of Concentration:

Is a result of other withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and sleeplessness. This should pass as the other symptoms wind down.

 

Dizziness:

Your body is taking in more oxygen through the lungs than you are used to. This may last a week or so, until your body adjusts.

 

Cravings:

Carvings will become less frequent and intense after the first two or three days after stopping and improves the longer you stay off cigarettes.

 

Weight management:

Some people may experience between 5 to 7 pounds of weight gain.. Remember, putting on weight for a while is not nearly as harmful as smoking.

Here’s how you can avoid weight gain:

 

    * Start a daily habit of taking a brisk walk to burn calories.

    * Eat your usual food but reduce the portion size.

    * Drink low-calorie drinks, or eat sugarless sweets and fruits

    * Get up as soon as you've finished your meal.

* Brush your teeth or use mouthwash immediately after a meal.

From NYS Smokers Quitsite