Stop smoking

​​Whether it’s for health reasons or to save money, the majority of smokers would like to quit.

Quitting smoking has many benefits including:

• reducing the risk of developing cancer, heart and lung disease, 
• improving general fitness, and 
• improving fertility levels.

 
The benefits of quitting are almost immediate. This is what you can expect: 

• 8 hours - Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal. 
  
• 24 hours - Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body, lungs start to clear of mucus and other smoking debris. 
  
• 48 hours - There is no nicotine left in the body and ability to taste and smell is greatly improved. 
  
• 72 hours - Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase. 
  
• 2-12 weeks - Circulation improves. 
  
• 3-9 months - Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function is increased by up to 10%. 
  
• 1 year - Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. 
  
• 10 years - Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. 
  
• 15 years  - Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
  

Children whose parents do not smoke are less likely to suffer from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, meningitis and ear infections.

What support is available?

If you would like to quit smoking, you can succeed with help from your GP or Help me Quit​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Link opens in a new window​.

Help me Quit ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Link opens in a new window​​ is a free NHS service funded and run by Public Health Wales. The service provides advice and services to protect and improve the health and well-being of people in Wales.

0800 085 2219