9 White Lies Doctors Hear That Put A Patient's Health In Danger

Smoking

It is important for patients to share their full smoking history with their doctor even if they smoke only occasionally. Smoking increases the risk of developing lung, cervical, and breast cancer. It can also interfere with medication and raise the risk of dangerous side effects (for example, blood clots and strokes) produced by medication. In addition, it can impair post-operative recovery by decreasing blood flow to injured areas of the body, increase the risk of complications from general anesthesia, and raise the likelihood of developing post-surgical infections. For these reasons, physicians who interact with a patient must be aware of his or her smoking history.