Smokers at increased risk of developing Covid-19 complications, say doctors

A new study shows smokers are twice as likely to have severe symptoms as compared to those who do not smoke

Smokers are more likely to be admitted to intensive care units, may need ventilator support and have a higher chance of dying, say doctors. Reuters

Doctors have warned smokers are at a greater risk of developing coronavirus complications and are twice as likely to suffer severe symptoms than non-smokers.

A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine said smokers are 2.4 times more likely to have severe symptoms as compared to those who do not smoke.

It suggests that tobacco use is associated with a poor prognosis of Covid-19 and more serious results.

Smokers are more likely to be admitted to intensive care units, may need ventilator support and have a higher chance of dying.

Dr Mohammed Rafique, a pulmonologist at Prime Hospital in Dubai, who specialises in helping smokers quit, said he has seen more people come to him during the pandemic.

“As smoking impairs lung capacity and because of the inflammation we see in smokers and e-cigarette users, it has not been a good picture for them during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

“It is clear, damaged lung function is a symptom of the coronavirus so it leaves smokers and e-cigarettes users even more vulnerable to infection.

“In some of our patients who have smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we have seen them become more vulnerable to severe symptoms of Covid-19.”

Dr Rafique said the pandemic has given smokers even more reason to kick the habit, but refused to endorse the use of e-cigarettes for anything other than as an aid to quit altogether.

“All of these alternative products expose people to chemicals and pollutants that are inhaled, and the lungs do not heal themselves once damaged,” he said.

“Smokers should be encouraged to stop altogether to limit their risk.”

Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and heart attack.

People with such underlying health conditions are at greater risk of developing severe Covid-19.

A recent World Health Organisation survey said 67 per cent of people who died of the coronavirus in Italy suffered from high blood pressure.

In Spain, 43 per cent of people who were infected with the virus had a heart disease.

“Making our communities smoke-free reduces the number of tobacco-related hospital admissions, which is more important than ever in the context of the current pandemic,” said Dr Vinayak Prasad, unit lead of the WHO No Tobacco Unit.