Breathing Easier
Bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier. Energy levels increase.
What happens to your body 72 hours after quitting smoking
Three days after quitting, nicotine is completely eliminated from your body. Your bronchial tubes begin to relax, which means air flows more freely in and out of your lungs. Many people notice they can take deeper breaths and feel less short of breath during physical activity. Energy levels often increase noticeably at this stage. This is also typically when withdrawal symptoms peak — but knowing that the physical addiction to nicotine is ending can be a powerful motivator.
Frequently asked questions
Is 72 hours the hardest point when quitting?
For many people, yes. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms typically peak around 72 hours. You may experience irritability, headaches, and intense cravings. But this is also the turning point — after this, nicotine is out of your system and withdrawal symptoms begin to fade.
Why do bronchial tubes relax after quitting?
Smoking causes chronic inflammation and constriction of the bronchial tubes. Without the constant irritation from cigarette smoke, the muscles around your airways relax and the inflammation begins to subside, making breathing easier.