tobacco but also electronic cigarettes would worsen the symptoms

THE ESSENTIAL

• Smokers have a higher risk of developing a severe form of Covid-19
• It is the impact of cigarettes and e-cigarettes on the lungs and the cardiovascular system that increases this risk.

–

The risks of contracting a severe form of Covid-19 are greater in smokers, according to the World Health Organization. It declared it in a press release of May 11, 2020, after having carried out an analysis of the various studies published on the subject. “WHO urges researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious not to pass on unsubstantiated claims that tobacco or nicotine may reduce the risk of COVID-19,” said the text. By the end of April, researchers had concluded that nicotine, found in tobacco, could protect from Covid-19.

Potentially more severe symptoms

This time, scientists wanted to compare the effects of different tobacco products on the new coronavirus. Published in European Heart Journal, the study shows that whatever the product the risk of more important symptoms is increased. “Tobacco cigarettes and water pipes can contribute to the increased weight of Covid-19 symptoms, compared to non-smokers, including admission to intensive care, mechanical ventilation and serious consequences for health”. They also believe that given the toxicity of the electronic cigarette to the lungs and the cardiovascular system, its use exposes patients “to a greater risk of suffering from a severe form of Covid-19”.

Three harmful consumption methods

The study by German researchers also compares the general health consequences of these different products. Compared to non-smokers, the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is much higher for tobacco (704%) than for electronic cigarettes (194%. Hookah consumption increases this same risk by 218% compared to non-smokers For lung cancer, the risk has not been evaluated in electronic cigarette users, on the other hand, it is almost ten times higher for cigarette smokers compared to shisha smokers. ” Water pipes are no less harmful than cigarettes and therefore cannot be considered a healthy alternative, “say the researchers.

Whatever the product used, there is a health risk: the three types of consumption can cause dysfunction of the endothelium, the cells lining the blood vessels. In short, there is no risk-free smoking, even for electronic cigarettes.

–