COVID-19 complications and fatalities linked to harmful practices - researchers suggest
In a recent study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, scientists at Cleveland Clinic in the U.S. have found a link between cumulative exposure to cigarette smoke and higher risks for hospitalization, complications, and death from COVID-19.
The study examined the link between long-term smoking and COVID-19 outcomes in 7,102 patients, finding that both current and former smokers faced similar risks for COVID-19 complications.
Among the findings, those who smoked a pack a day for 30 years had 2.25 times higher odds of hospitalization. Smokers also had 1.89 times higher risk of death from COVID-19 compared to non-smokers.
However, the study did not mention any specific smoking cessation strategies that could potentially reduce these risks for COVID-19 complications. Nor did it discuss any potential treatments or interventions for smokers to reduce their risks.
The researchers recommend a shift in approach, suggesting that former smokers should not be treated the same as those who have never smoked due to the increased risks for COVID-19 complications.
The study's findings partially attribute the increased risks for COVID-19 complications in smokers to common diseases among them, such as cardiovascular issues and respiratory dysfunction. However, it does not provide specific information on the cardiovascular issues or respiratory dysfunctions that contribute to the increased risks.
The study does not discuss any potential long-term effects of quitting smoking on the risks for COVID-19 complications. It also does not provide information on the reasons why smoking increases the risks for COVID-19 complications.
The study does not specify the exact number of smokers who were hospitalized or died from COVID-19. Nor does it provide information on the number of former smokers who were hospitalized or died from COVID-19.
The study does not discuss any potential treatments or interventions specifically for former smokers to reduce their risks for COVID-19 complications.
The findings were summarized in a press release on MedicalXpress. However, it is important to note that the exact study you mentioned from JAMA Internal Medicine on this topic does not appear in the given search results, suggesting it may be missing or no relevant citation was found in these sources.
While the direct study on this topic from JAMA Internal Medicine may not be available in the given search results, it is well-established that cigarette smoke exposure impairs lung function and the immune response, which can worsen respiratory infections including COVID-19. Long-term smoking has been associated with increased severity and worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients due to compromised pulmonary defenses and chronic inflammation.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of considering smoking history when managing COVID-19 patients, and emphasizes the need for further research into potential interventions for smokers and former smokers to reduce their risks for COVID-19 complications.
- The link between long-term smoking and the risks for hospitalization, complications, and death from COVID-19 was explored in a study focusing on medical-conditions like cardiovascular issues and respiratory dysfunction, which are common among smokers.
- The study also found that chronic diseases, such as respiratory-conditions, could play a significant role in increasing the risks for COVID-19 complications among smokers.
- The importance of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health, particularly in smokers, was not directly addressed in the study, but their impact on overall health could potentially affect COVID-19 outcomes.
- Nutrition, as a factor that could influence the risks for COVID-19 complications in smokers, was not discussed in the study, suggesting further research is needed in this area.
