Withdrawal Symptoms After You Quit Smoking

Before you attempt to quit smoking, you may have reservations with regards to the intensity of any withdrawal symptoms you may experience.

On average, nicotine levels will drop significantly in your body within two to three days.

During that period, you will be susceptible to frequent urges which can be alleviated somewhat through drinking of water, deep breathing and regular activity.

Cigarette Cravings

Cravings for cigarettes are most intense during the first two to three days but will become less frequent over the next four to five days before ending after a couple of weeks.

Deep breathing and regular activity will keep you distracted and help to keep your mind off cigarettes.

Coughing and Mouth Sores

Your body's detoxification process will involve the removal of built-up toxins which have restricted your breathing. This should only last a few days.

Chemical changes in your mouth may result in minor blisters, sores or inflammation. These should clear in a few days.

Sleeplessness and Lethargy

With improved health and higher energy levels after you quit smoking, your body will require less sleep as compared to smokers who lack energy and have restless nights from coughing and difficult breathing.

Because of your past reliance on smoking to provide your regular half-hourly energy boost, you may feel sleepy at times during the first few days.

Due to this symptom, it may be helpful to begin to quit smoking at a time where you may take naps liberally, for example during a long weekend.

Dizziness and Chest Tightness

The inevitable increase in the intake of oxygen into your lungs may cause occasional spells of dizziness. Your body should readjust in four to five days.

Chest pains also may occur during first day or two due to your lungs receiving more fresh air than usual.

Irritability and Lack of Concentration

Chemical withdrawals may cause heightened levels of irritability and anger.

This should be recognized as part of the grieving process which will diminish with each day that passes from the first day that you quit smoking.

Lapses in concentration may be caused by a combination of other withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness and a general change in your routines after you quit smoking.

You should begin to regain focus after a few days while developing new ways to cope without having to smoke.

Medical Conditions

The withdrawal symptoms listed above are only temporary and should be increasingly easier to manage with time.

However, should symptoms such as persistent coughing or extreme fatigue persist for more than a week or two after you quit smoking, please consult your doctor.