Quit Smoking Prior to Elective Surgery
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by: Sara Mendez
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Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 Time: 6:41 AM
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Quitting smoking is a task which smokers fear, however they know by quitting they will be healthier. Not only does smoking have an adverse effect on the body it can also cause many serious health problems such as heart disease, cancer and COPD. Both the smoker and their doctors should put tobacco secession at the top of their lists. Not only do doctors fear for their patients' health, they fear what will happen should their patient need surgery.
Surgery is something many patients will face at some point in their lives, whether elective or required. There are certain protocols in place for patients to follow before surgery such as no food twelve hours before surgery and nothing to drink. However, many physicians and anesthesiologists require their patients to quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery.
According to Anesthesiologyinfo.com, smoking has many seriously concerning risks which can occur during surgery. Smoking increases carbon monoxide which attaches itself to hemoglobin in the blood, decreasing the amount of oxygen getting through the body. The nicotine will make the body need more oxygen which will put stress on the heart, lungs and body which is already under distress from the anesthesia. The heart will not function properly because of the increased carbon monoxide causing the blood to no circulate as it should.
With surgery, the body is under stress and therefore prone to infections, especially lung infections. However if you are a smoker, the lungs are even more susceptible to collapse. The small airways do not function as they should because of smoke and nicotine which makes them collapse. Mucus production increases because of smoking and the lungs are not able to clear it as quickly as they should because of anesthesia, making the patient more prone to serious lung infections such as pneumonia and chronic coughing. Bronchospsams and other infections in the lungs can be fatal and should be taken seriously. Smoking has been linked to dozens of other side effects, ranging from heart attacks to poor wound healing by as many as six times more in smokers versus non smokers.
A successful surgery is something all doctors wish for their patients. Doctors do not want their patient to have complications before, during or after surgery. This is why they ask for smokers to at least take a break before going under any anesthesia. Making smoking secession a top priority is something all patients should be doing, regardless if they are having surgery or not. The ultimate goal should be to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle.
There are many ways for patients to quit smoking. Some of the more common treatments are over the counter, such as the nicotine patch and gum. There are other homeopathic treatments as well such as herbal remedies, acupuncture and hypnosis. While others choose to quit, by using prescriptions such as Zyban and Wellbutrin. Often treatments are combined so the patient is as successful as they can be.
The most important thing to do is talk with your physician to discuss your options and find out which plan will suit you best. Since there are many choices and options available to help you quit, there can be no more excuses. Do not wait until you need major surgery before trying to quit, quit before you get there.
Article Source :: Simply Articles
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Stopping smoking can be tough. Make it easier with a quit smoking hypnotherapy program from Quick Hypnosis!
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