Smoking And Healing After Surgery: Comparing Its Relationship
MedicalIt is no secret to anyone that cigarette smoking is the world’s worst nightmare. Aside from the harm it brings to almost every organ in the human body, it can also severely affect a larger population through secondhand smoke. More so, many people are unaware that smoking poses a great danger in medical practice. Smoking and healing after surgery is not a good combination as they can interfere with each other. If you want to ease your recovery, it is advisable to quit smoking as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Smoking
Most of us mainly recognize smoking as one of the leading causes of stroke, lung cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It contains an organic compound commonly known as nicotine. This component is highly addictive and is present in tobacco, cigarettes, and other electronic devices.
Besides being a precursor for many health problems, nicotine is also responsible for interfering with the body’s healing process. If you do not stop smoking, the presence of nicotine in your system will decrease nourishment absorption. This process affects wound healing and could cause a slower restoration on injured areas.
Smoking and Healing After Surgery
Nicotine will stand in the course of your wound healing in more than one way. Here are some common impediments that smoking does during and after medical surgery:
Oxygen Deprivation
Smoking before or after any surgery will restrict your normal body function during and after the procedure. Nicotine and carbon monoxide will narrow your blood vessels, inhibiting oxygen and other nutrients from entering your system. These elements are necessary factors in the healing process. Without it, wound healing from surgical incisions will take longer than average. It extends the duration of your recovery and increases the chances of re-infection. The heightened risk of infection could compromise medical treatment.
Blood Clotting
Platelets are colourless blood cells responsible for blood clotting. It prevents bleeding by clumping through the blood vessels in the injured area. However, blood clotting is unnecessary in a surgical procedure.
The formation of clots will block the small blood vessels and cut off the injured tissues from receiving oxygen and blood supply. If a person does not stop smoking before and after surgery, the toxins that enter the system will encourage clot formation. This situation will interfere with the whole healing process.
Heart Attack
Your surgeon will encourage you to stop smoking before surgery to prevent any cardiovascular anomalies. This recommendation is also applicable for post-surgery. Smoke contains elements that raise your blood pressure, increasing your risk of getting a heart attack.
Nicotine can also spike your adrenaline levels which disturbs your normal heart rhythm. Sudden changes in your heart’s function will make the cardiac muscles work harder, making them more prone to strain. Severe muscle dysfunction can lead to unexpected cardiac arrest.
Why You Should Stop Smoking
After focusing on the dangerous combination of smoking and healing after surgery, it is now time to discuss why you should stop smoking. Experts recommend smokers quit their habit, especially after surgery.
Several studies show that post-surgery risks for smokers are relatively higher than non-smokers. Researchers have found out that in comparison with former smokers, fifty-three per cent of individuals who did not stop smoking after surgery have developed severe heart and lung problems. Additionally, around seventeen per cent of these individuals are more likely to die.
Quitting smoking is crucial regardless of whether you will have surgery or not. While surgery is a great time to stop smoking, it is unnecessary to wait for that time before you do. If you stop smoking as early today, you can enjoy the following health advantages:
- An increase in lifespan
- Lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases
- Avoiding secondhand smoke
- Cleansing your system
- Prevents hospitalization
Expectations When Quitting Smoking After Surgery
If you happen to be a heavy smoker, quitting smoking after surgery can be challenging yet rewarding. It is inevitable to experience a series of withdrawal symptoms, which is a normal part of the treatment. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for a more patient-centred treatment plan. Depending on your current situation, the specialist may provide cessation tools and medications to help you cope with your difficulties.
Once you get through the withdrawal period, you will notice positive changes in your body. Aside from improving your appearance, your body will start to return to its normal function. Blood flow will be better, and healing will be a breeze. You will be able to eradicate harmful toxins in your system and improve your overall health.
References:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/What-to-expect-when-you-quit-smoking
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit/reasons-to-quit-smoking
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