Another Smoking Danger

Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of a lot of diseases and ailments. But here's another that might be news to a lot of people.
Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV.

Abscesses in the breast are a common health problem. These are pockets of infection that may be treated with antibiotics, but they often require a surgical procedure. Abscesses can return repeatedly and they can be difficult to treat. In a new study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, researchers compared 68 patients with breast abscesses with another group of 68 without this problem. Those who smoked were more than six times more likely to have an abscess. In addition, smokers were more than 14 times more likely to have recurring abscesses. Patients with breast abscesses who smoke should strive to stop smoking, the researchers recommend, but research hasn't proven whether stopping will decrease the risk of the abscess recurring. I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.