Nathine Morgan
Tobacco
and COVID-19
World No Tobacco Day is
celebrated annually on May 31st in an effort to draw global
attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable effects of
smoking. Empowering people by helping
them to understand the harmful effects of tobacco smoking is essential
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic since both can have deleterious effects
on the respiratory system. This pandemic
has been a very stressful time and many people resort to unhealthy ways of
coping which includes tobacco smoking.
A study conducted by the National Heart and Lung Institute of the
Imperial College in London, concluded that people who smoke are at an increased
risk for developing symptomatic COVID-19.
Furthermore, the results from this investigation suggests that current
smokers who become infected with the virus are twice as likely to require hospitalization
and these people tend to report more symptoms compared to non-smokers. This is because “smoking impairs lung
function making it harder for the body to fight off coronaviruses and other
diseases,” (WHO, 2020). Smoking compromises
the equilibrium or balance of the immune
system which increases the risk for several immune and autoimmune disorders (CDC, 2014). Tobacco smoking also causes respiratory
irritation, decreases lung function and also precipitates issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis (CDC, 2021). When a smoker’s lungs are exposed to any infections
that affects the airways, more complications arise because damage to the
airways and air sacs decreases oxygen levels to the lungs and throughout the
circulatory system and organs. Additionally, damage to the cilia of the lungs
also makes it harder for mucus to be cleared from the lungs (Healthline, n.d). These impairments causes smokers to be more likely to get serious lung conditions
such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Are smokers less likely or more likely to become infected with COVID 19?
While studies have suggested that smokers are more likely to become seriously ill with Covid-19, it is unclear as to
whether or not smokers are more likely to ‘contract’ the virus. Thus far, it may be fair to say that everyone
has an equal chance of becoming infected with the virus based on the fact that
the virus is transmitted via person to person contact, mostly through droplets
from an infected person. However, the
risk and level of exposure varies based on factors such as occupation and
lifestyle. Additionally, the severity of
the symptoms experienced will also vary based on one’s immune composition and
the presence of pre-existing comorbidities.
As a result, some people may be at a higher risk of becoming infected
based on their level of exposure and the degree to which they observe measures to
decrease their risk of infection (such as social distancing, hand washing and
mask wearing. Of note, smoking or vaping
involves the fingers touching the lips and so this increases the risk of the
virus spreading from the hand to the mouth (Web MD, 2021).
Previous studies have found that nicotine exposure
worsens pulmonary infections associated with SARS-CoV-2. It has
been found that “nicotine exposure induces rapid and long-lasting increases in the
gene and protein expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
2 (SARS-CoV-2) receptor ACE2, which in turn translates into increased
competence for SARS-CoV-2 replication and cytopathic effect,” (Maggi et al,
2021). The ACE2 enzyme is a protein present on
many cell types and tissues including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys,
liver and gastrointestinal tract. It acts as a ‘doorway’ to allow movement of
matter into cells. The spike proteins
on the coronavirus binds to the ACE2 receptors prior to entry (Sriram,
2020). Overexpression therefore results in an
increased chance of the coronavirus virus entering cells. On the contrary, one recent study has
suggested that people who smoke are “less likely to become infected with the
coronavirus.” This was a study conducted
by London researchers entitled “SARS-CoV-2
antibody prevalence in England following the first peak of the pandemic.” The
findings of the study was that smokers had a
lower prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection when compared to non-smokers. This study
was found to have several limitations and it was recommended that more
scientific research is needed to support such a claim. In fact, another study that was published by
the University of Piraeus and University of Utah, that claimed that smoking
reduces the risk of Covid-19 infection was retracted because the authors were
found to be supporters of the tobacco industry (Maggi et al, 2021). Despite these minimally supported claims, smoking is
bad for your health and it is known and supported by literature that smokers are
at an increased risk for severe illness and hospitalization when infected with
the Covid-19 virus.
Can I smoke if I have COVID?
Smoking is
discouraged in persons who are infected with or recovering from the coronavirus
infection. The COVID 19 virus attacks
the respiratory system and smoking also causes impairments to the lungs that
respiratory system. This results in an increased risk for severe respiratory
complications.
Healthy ways of coping with stress instead of smoking:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as resting, taking deep breaths, meditating or engaging in a hobby.
- Identify stress triggers and avoid these triggers as much as possible.
- Exercise regularly as physical activity releases natural hormones that helps to improve mood and decrease stress (Healthline, n.d).
- Stay occupied to avoid the habit. If you have decided to quit, quit the habit abruptly or quit gradually by smoking less each day. You may also consider nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patch, gum or lozenges.
- Stay connected to family and friends (a support system) that can support your decision to quit smoking; avoid hanging around people who smoke.
- Try alternative therapies such as acupuncture, magnet therapy, herbs and supplements (such as green tea, St John’s wort, lobelia).
- Seek support from groups such as the National Council on Drug Abuse. You may call the help line at 876-564-HELP (876-564-4357), to access trained counsellors who can assist with managing strong emotions, developing plans for quitting and helping you to stay on track (NCDA, 2021).
By quitting smoking, you will improve your health, the quality and
duration of your life, as well as the lives of those around you.
`References
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Nathine Morgan - Pharmacy Student, UTECH Jamaica
Very good article. Informative. Congratulations Nathene.
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