How Smoking Impacts Hernia and Its Recovery?
Hernias are more frequent than everyone imagines. Most patients present in the hospital complaining of swelling or pain in the abdomen or groin. In some cases, smoking has an invisible but significant effect.
Dr Srivatsan Gurumurthy is a senior Hernia Surgeon based in Chennai. He works with GEM Hospital In Chennai, one of the best centres for complex hernia treatment. He treats numerous patients whose recuperation is delayed because they are smokers. This blog discusses how smoking influences hernias and how you can safeguard yourself.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia takes place when a part of an organ protrudes through a weakened muscle wall. It most frequently occurs in the stomach or groin. You will notice a tender swelling or lump that gets larger when you cough or strain while lifting weights. Hernias produce pain in some, but for months, they may be silent.
Hernias will not disappear by themselves. They will be risky if not treated. Early Hernia Repair Treatment in Chennai prevents complications like strangulation or obstruction.
How Smoking Impacts Healing and Muscles?
Smoking is one of the largest adversaries of recovery. Cigarettes have toxic chemicals such as nicotine and carbon monoxide. These lower oxygen levels in the blood. Without oxygen, your tissues heal slowly. Smoking also impairs the quality of muscles and skin.
Good healing is based on firm tissue. But in smokers, muscles remain weak. The wound heals slowly after hernia surgery. Sometimes, it does not heal well at all. This exposes the patient to infections, delayed recovery, and recurrence.
Chronic Cough: A Silent Problem in Smokers:
One of the largest problems smokers have is a chronic cough. They probably don’t even realise it anymore. But this cough causes constant stress to the abdominal wall. It raises the risk of getting a hernia. And for people with a hernia, it aggravates it.
Following Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery in Chennai, coughing will weaken the repair. It could disrupt the mesh surgery or leave the stitches open. That’s why smokers are required to exercise extra caution. Suppressing the cough is most important during and after surgery.
Increased Risk of Hernia Returning:
Smokers are more likely to recur. That is, the hernia recurs even after surgery. Why? Because their body does not heal properly. Their tissue is weak. The coughing persists. And infections occur more easily. Even with sophisticated techniques such as Robotic Hernia Surgery in Chennai, outcomes are not as favourable in smokers. The best surgery still requires good healing from within. Smoking prevents that from occurring.
Why Surgeons Tell You to Stop Smoking Before Surgery?
All hernia surgeons recommend stopping smoking before surgery. At least 4 to 6 weeks before. It helps your lungs and tissues heal. It also makes you cough less and breathe better under anaesthesia. When you quit, your body gets stronger. Your risk of infection decreases. The likelihood of the hernia returning is also less. In short, quitting smoking enhances surgical success.
Can Quitting Smoking Lower Hernia Risk?
Yes, it can. After you quit smoking, your blood flow is better. Oxygen reaches your tissues more efficiently. You cough less. And your muscles become stronger. For those who have already undergone Hernia Treatment in Chennai, smoking cessation aids in healing the wound properly. It also reduces the risk of recurrence. You become healthier, and recovery is smooth.
Other Common Risk Factors for Hernia:
Smoking is a significant one, but not the only reason. Here are other reasons for a hernia:
- Obesity or excess weight
- Chronic constipation
- Heavy weight lifting without caution
- Abdominal muscles weakened by age or previous surgery
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of exercise
- History of hernias in the family
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it’s best to get checked early. A consultation with a Hernia specialist in Chennai can make you aware of your risk and take timely action.
Tips to Prevent Hernias and Recover Better:
Hernias can be avoided with some lifestyle modifications. These tips also assist in faster recovery after surgery:
- Quit Smoking: This is the most crucial step. Your body recovers faster, and your muscles remain strong.
- Eat High-Fibre Foods: To prevent constipation, have fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink sufficient water to maintain smooth digestion.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Always lift with caution. If your job requires lifting, wear a support belt.
- Exercise Gently: Walking and gentle stretching work. Gradually build core strength.
- Lose Extra Weight: Extra belly fat adds pressure on the abdominal wall.
- Cure Cough or Cold Quickly: particularly if you are coming from surgery.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Post-surgery rest and care are a must.
They are small changes, but they change everything. They save you from more surgery and also better your health in general.
Conclusion:
Hernia can be treated. But lifestyle has much to do with your recovery. Smoking is the worst habit when it comes to healing a hernia. It reduces your body’s strength. It slows down healing. And it reduces the chances of recovery and increases the risk of coming back. The good news? You can turn this around. By quitting smoking and maintaining healthy habits, you’re giving your body a genuine chance at healing. Whether you’re gearing up for surgery or have already had one, it’s never too soon to make healthier decisions.
Dr Srivatsan Gurumurthy is renowned for providing professional Hernia Treatment in Chennai. His area of interest is safe, modern, and patient-centric care. He conducts open, laparoscopic, and Robotic Hernia Surgery in Chennai with high success rates. Patients rely on him due to his truthful counsel and customised treatment plans.
Call to Action:
If you are experiencing hernia symptoms or have been procrastinating on getting treatment, take the first step today. Make an appointment with Dr Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a well-trusted Hernia specialist in Chennai. You’ll receive transparent answers, an accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan that works best for you.