Does it really matter if I smoke cigs the day I give blood?

Question

I'm giving blood this Sunday, for the first time. I read that you should not smoke the day before you give blood, and not the rest of the day, or something of that nature. Will it make me dizzy or something? Because I really want to give blood, but I smoke a pack every day or two, and I would rather not give up smoking to give blood, but I will if I really have to. What happens if you dont give up smoking for the time period?

Answer 1

I smoke too and Im a blood donor, they dont like you to smoke because it isnt good for you. The real issue is after you have given blood the nicotine races round your blood stream a lot faster than it would normally, after you have donated, so it could make you a little light headed or giddy and or make your heart race. Me I'm a coward I wait a few hours until I smoke because I'm scared of the effect!

Whatever you decide be careful and the very best of luck to you!

Congratulations on your decision to become a donor :o)

Answer 2

Here's the info I got from the American Red Cross (who I think are the foremost authority on giving blood). They don't mention anything about smoking.

Before Donating
Get a good night’s sleep
Have a good breakfast or lunch
Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate (avoid tea, coffee, or other beverages with caffeine)
Eat iron-rich foods — red meat, fish, poultry or liver, beans, iron-fortified cereals, raisins and prunes
Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream before donating. Tests for infections done on all donated blood can be affected by fatty materials — lipids — that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods. When this occurs and required testing cannot be performed, the blood may need to be discarded.

During the Donation
Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow
Show the staff any "good veins" that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood
Relax
Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating

After Donation
Rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours
Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation
If you feel light headed, lie down, preferably with feet elevated, until the feeling passes
In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes; if bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours

Answer 3

I've been a smoker for 15 years and donated blood several times. Nobody ever told me that I couldn't smoke, and they didn't ask when they took the blood. The only questions I was asked are if I had gotten a tattoo within the last year, or if I was sick. And then of course a brief health history.

Answer 4

Put it this way....

I wouldn't want blood from a smoker.

Cigarette smoke makes your blood bad.

Answer 5

Smoke as much as you want. It doesn't matter. In fact it makes the blood better.

Answer 6

If you smoke the day you give blood you will poison the blood

Answer 7

Aw you'll be fine. Just don't smoke about 10 min before you give otherwise your BP will be too high.

Answer 8

Do what you have been told. You are being so very selfish if you can't/won't stop smoking to help someone else.

Answer 9

it wont make you dizzy, but, it will give the blood taker (sometimes young children) a heavy shot of nicotine.

Answer 10

Honey, you shouldn't be smoking at all!