Smoking and Hernias: Everything You Need to Know

The thousands of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can affect almost every part of your body, not just the usual suspects like your lungs, heart, and stomach.

Smoking can also contribute to the development of hernias.

A hernia happens when an organ, like your stomach or intestines, pushes through weakened connective tissues in your abdomen.

Smoking interferes with the proper metabolism of these tissues, which normally protect your internal organs.

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Over time, the toxic chemicals from cigarettes can weaken these tissues, allowing organs to protrude.

If you’ve been smoking for a while and are concerned about the possibility of a hernia, keep reading to learn more about the link between smoking and hernias, and how it can affect smokers of all ages and genders.

The Impact of Smoking on Hernia Development

If you’ve just had surgery and continue to smoke, you could be at risk of developing a hernia.

Studies show that smokers are much more likely to develop incisional hernias, which form at the site of a recently healed surgical incision.

Other studies have also connected smoking to an increased risk of developing perineal hernias, a condition that often affects smokers, even post-surgery.

Smokers are also more likely to develop hiatal hernias, since smoking weakens the muscles around the diaphragm and increases acid reflux, both of which can lead to this condition.

Smoking makes hernia recovery more difficult, especially if you’ve had surgery to repair one and are still in the healing phase.

Effects of Smoking on Operative Hernia Recovery

If you’re recovering from hernia surgery and continue to smoke, you’re likely to face a higher risk of developing additional hernias due to the following problems.

Lack of Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and it plays a crucial role in forming scar tissue and supporting the healing process.

When you smoke, the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can affect your body’s collagen production, leading to delays in building strong scar tissue at your incision sites.

This not only raises the risk of developing a hernia in that area but can also result in other complications after surgery.

So, it’s important to keep an eye on your collagen levels; low levels can weaken connective tissues and slow down your recovery.

Nutrient Deficiency

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that reduce your ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for healing your incisions. For instance, smoking reduces the body’s absorption of vitamin C and beta carotene, which are essential for post-operative patients. 

Nutrient deficiency also reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections post-surgery. Smoking also affects your body’s immune system, which can cause delayed wound healing, and increase the likelihood of complications during the recovery process.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, immune function, and wound healing. However, smoking interferes with vitamin D metabolism and absorption and leads to lower circulating levels of this vital nutrient. 

Decreased vitamin D levels are associated with impaired bone healing, weakened immune response, and increased risk of postoperative infections, all of which can hinder the recovery process for hernia patients.

Chronic Coughing Induced by Smoking

Persistent coughing increases intra-abdominal pressure, placing additional stress on surgical incisions and hernia repair sites. This heightened pressure can lead to complications such as wound dehiscence, hernia recurrence, and prolonged recovery times. 

Coughing also irritates the respiratory tract, potentially triggering respiratory infections that further compromise the healing process. 

Preventing Hernia in Smokers

Now that we’ve seen that smokers face an increased risk of hernias due to various factors associated with smoking. However, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce their risk of developing a hernia, even if they currently smoke.

Stop Smoking for Good

Smoking weakens the tissues and muscles in the body and increases the risks of herniation. Nicotine, while relatively harmless, constricts blood vessels, reduces blood flow to tissues and impairs their ability to heal. 

Additionally, the coughing associated with smoking can put strain on abdominal muscles, increasing the likelihood of hernias forming. 

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that support tissue strength and repair. Foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, promote collagen production, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of muscles and connective tissues. 

Avoiding processed foods, excessive fats, and sugars can also help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the strain on abdominal muscles and lowering the risk of hernias.

Light to Moderate Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity can strengthen muscles and improve overall fitness, which can help in reducing hernias. However, it’s essential to avoid overexertion, especially if you have a history of hernias. 

Light to moderate exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can effectively strengthen abdominal muscles without putting undue stress on the body. It’s crucial to consult with a GP before starting any exercise program, particularly if there are pre-existing health conditions.

Add More Fibre

A high-fibre diet can help prevent hernias by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation. Straining during bowel movements can increase pressure in the abdominal region, increasing the risk of different types of hernias.

Increasing fibre intake through foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can soften stools and make them easier to pass, decreasing the need for straining. Additionally, adequate hydration is essential to support proper digestion and prevent constipation.

Summary

Now that we’ve explored the relationship between smoking and hernia, it’s important to recognise that quitting smoking is a great way to reduce your risk of various types of hernias and keep your body in good shape as you grow older.

We understand that smoking can be a difficult habit to quit, but that’s where we can help.

Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around! 

If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to friendly Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good.

Link Reference

• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/508337
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2935475/
• https://texasherniaspecialists.com/quit-smoking-before-hernia-repair-in-houston
• https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/pdfs/fs_smoking_overall_health_508.pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3480523/
• https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-wound-separation-after-surgery-wound-dehiscence