stop smoking

When an individual stops using tobacco products or quits smoking it isn’t unusual to encounter withdrawal symptoms or side effects. The initial detoxification process begins within thirty minutes or the person’s last tobacco product use and takes up to ten days, subsiding after this period of time. Side effects from quitting smoking may become bothersome if the individual isn’t ready to recognize these symptoms as the body’s way of returning to normal body function. The most important fact to recall when quitting smoking and pondering which side effects may be encountered is simply, each person’s organs work differently and so side effects on the body will also vary from person to person.

The following list is offered to assist in identifying bodily changes during the detoxification period. These symptoms are the most frequently described side effects on the body relating to the cessation of smoking.

• Commonly mood and emotions or mental stability are going to be the first side effects noticed when quitting smoking. An increase in irritability, fits of anger, feeling disorganized, depressed or an increased feeling of anxiousness may occur at any point. These feelings may come and go quickly or last a few minutes. It’s best to keep yourself occupied with small tasks or hobbies. Some individuals require anti-depressants or help from a Physician to help combat severe issues during this withdrawal period.
• Lungs begin to clear the buildup of tar within twelve hours of smoking the last tobacco cigarette. It is common to begin coughing up brownish colored phlegm. It may have a thick consistency to begin with and over time will reduce in thickness, thus clearing the Lungs. Drinking plenty of fluids will assist in loosening and expelling residual tar. Within three days time it will become noticeably easier to breath, walking and physical activities are able to be completed without over exertion or feeling out of breath.
• Colds and headaches may also be felt as side effects from quitting smoking. Your body is healing itself and trying to get rid of the toxic chemicals that have been built up. Stress on the body causes a depletion of Vitamins A, C and E. These Vitamins help to maintain good health and ward off illness, developing a cold is normal. However, if a high fever or severe pain is evident it’s time to visit a Physician or Emergency Center immediately.
• Developing a dry cough without phlegm or a “smokers cough” is the next stage of Lung healing after the clearing of built up tar. Drinking herb tea with honey helps reduce this type of dry cough and sugar free lozenges will also aide in reducing the feeling of having to cough. This cough occurs from damage caused to the tiny fibrous hairs inside the trachea and bronchial tubes called Cilia they are damaged but will repair themselves over time and the dry cough will cease.
• Immediate and rapid effects on the Metabolic System, the Metabolic System includes a complicated group of processes that break down foods and medicines, this causes reversible weight gain in some people whom quit smoking. Proteins, called enzymes are responsible for this breakdown.  The system involves multiple organs especially those of the Gastrointestinal Tract, again slowing the rate of food being metabolized and being pushed through the intestines, causing intermittent stomach cramps, slight pain and increased flatulence. The need to replace the hand mouth habit and the instant satisfaction received from smoking greatly increases possible weight gain.

By CJ Levatino – Freelance Writer for eCigarette365 Blog