Why It’s Okay to Have the Quitter’s Flu

Immediately after you take your last puff…of your last cigarette, the body begins to repair itself. Physical changes begin to happen as the body attempts to improve and correct the damage caused by this toxin. As the body goes through withdrawals, both physically and psychologically, this process is deemed necessary in order to permanently “kick the habit”. Although the process can be quite painful, it does not compare to the lifelong benefits experienced from being totally nicotine free.

Symptoms of the “Quitters Flu” For Smokers

The “quitter’s flu” is a term used that refers to the flu like symptoms that cigarette smokers get when they are “quitting” the smoking habit. It is referred to as the flu because often times the symptoms experienced are like that of a person with the winter flu. These symptoms peak 48 hours after smoking has stopped, and is predominately gone by 6 months. Such symptoms included:

*Irritability

*The extreme urge to smoke

*Fatigue

*Lack of concentration

*Dry Mouth

*Constipation

*Headache

*Tightness in the chest

*Postnasal drip

*Sore Throat

*Colds

*Respiratory problems

*Gas and Stomach Pain

Long-term Physical and Psychological Symptoms

It takes approximately 8 to 12 weeks without smoking, before the body is comfortable with the new smoke free lifestyle. Due to the chemical dependency of nicotine, symptoms will still be experienced on a long term basis, both psychologically and physically. As tension and cravings persist, the body and mind is wrecked with withdrawal pains. Predominately all individuals who are moderate to heavy smokers will have strong mental and emotional responses to quitting. Nonetheless, most long term symptoms will include:

*Temper tantrums

*Insomnia

*Mental Confusion

*Anxiety

*Irritability

*Depression

*Weight Gain

*Feelings of dependency

*Vagueness

*Anger

Within The First 2 Days, The Body Begins To Heal

Within 20 minutes after the last puff, blood pressure and pulse rate immediately begins to drop. Then, after 8 hours the unhealthy carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease, as health oxygen levels increase. Consequently, 24 to 48 hours later, the risk of heart attack decreases, the nerve endings start to regrow, and the smelling/tasting ability improves. Between 2 weeks and 3 months, blood circulation improves, the lung function increases, and walking becomes effortless. As the body begins to heal, the mental load becomes lighter, and the withdrawal symptoms will fade away. Finally, one becomes totally free from the bondage of nicotine.

Although the symptoms for quitting appear to be insurmountable, the benefits far outweigh the risks. If one chooses to continue smoking, then they are at increased risk for major chronic illnesses. These diseases include, several types of cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease, and atheroclerosis.

Smoking Cessation Handbook 
The Impact of Tobacco on Health In Terms of Mental and Social 
The Impact of Tobacco on Physical Health