Wound healing is complex and there are many factors that can interfere with the normal healing process, which can result in an acute wound becoming a chronic, non-healing one. Cigarette smoking is frequently listed as one of the factors which can interfere with wound healing. However, it is one of the potentially modifiable lifestyle behaviours that can reduce the risk of developing a nonhealing wound (Ellis, 2018). Although the precise mechanisms as to how smoking delays healing are currently not clear (Sorensen et al, 2010a, b; Sorensen, 2012), this paper explores the literature on how smoking interferes with the wound healing process at a pathophysiological level, together with how it may be responsible for increased infection rates and delayed healing. In addition, it also discusses how smoking can contribute to infection and wound dehiscence in surgical wounds and delay healing in chronic wounds, resulting in a prolonged recovery time for the patient.
Smoking has a significant negative effect on patients’ health status. The Department of Health (DH) recently announced a Tobacco Control Plan, which sets out the government’s strategy for reducing smoking rates and increasing patients’ access to smoking cessation services. This article examines the main points of the Tobacco Control Plan, as well as detailing how community nurses can use the plan to improve their own interactions with patients who smoke, as well as designing effective smoking cessation services.
There are very few healthcare professionals who do not treat conditions caused by or exacerbated by smoking. Thirty years on from its initiation, No Smoking Day, this year on 13 March, is one of the United Kingdom’s (UK) longest running and most successful health campaigns to date. This article from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) outlines their work.
Smoking has been identified as one of the major causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and smokers are almost twice as likely to have a myocardial infarction compared to non-smokers This article, a JCN Writing Award entry, will analyse the smoking-related disease process associated with nicotine. An appraisal of the cost of smoking prevalence on the National Health In relation to government strategy, an exploration of its efficacy, cost and uptake of the programme across the socioeconomic groups will be analysed.
Emma Sadler RGN, Staff Nurse, Leighton Hospital, Crewe
Smoking cessation is the most significant and beneficial intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Margaret Barnett looks at why patients smoke and how health professionals can be effective in persuading patients to stop smoking.
Margaret Barnett, MSc in Nursing Studies, COPD Dip.is a COPD Specialist Nurse , Plymouth, Devon.
Article accepted for publicatioan: May 2008
Acknowledgements: The author would like to thank Russ Moody, Training & Development Coordinator, Plymouth NHS Stop Smoking Service for his advice.
