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The study found that as many as 13% of e-cigarette users require hospitalization.
Medical experts say that smokers and e-cigarettes are very susceptible to Covid-19 and are at risk of being hospitalized after experiencing severe symptoms.
A recent study by the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Health (DoH) of 2,000 Covid-19 patients found that as many as 13% of e-cigarette users require hospitalization, more than three times the number of non-smokers. Among smokers, this number drops to 6%.
Dr. Umar Majid, an expert in respiratory medicine at the Al Ain NMC Specialty Hospital, pointed out that smokers or e-cigarettes are at increased risk of more severe Covid-19 symptoms, organ failure or, in some cases, death.
“Smoking and e-cigarettes both release several harmful chemicals and particles into the lungs, thereby reducing the immune response to infection. Covid-19 mainly attacks the lungs. Therefore, smokers are more likely to develop serious lung infections, such as pneumonia. They are at greater risk of developing a complication called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in which fluid accumulates in tiny air sacs in the lungs. This pain reduces the oxygen supply to our lungs, in some cases It can lead to multiple organ failure and even death.”
Dr. Majid added that smokers and e-cigarettes face a high risk of contracting Covid-19 because tobacco use involves the use of fingers and lips and the sharing of mouthpieces or hoses.
“When smokers and e-cigarettes share cigarettes, e-cigarettes, mouthpieces, and hoses, Covid-19 can easily spread to them. Due to the weakened immunity, the infection can be serious, leading to multiple complications.”
Dr. Assem Youssef, a lung specialist at Al Safa Medical Insurance Hospital in Dubai, said that after Covid-19 infection, smokers and e-cigarettes may be more prone to pulmonary complications.
“The lungs are at the forefront of the immune system. When a person inhales smoke or e-cigarettes, the lungs are stimulated. This stimulation releases the immune system to fight this stimulation, and other Covid-19 infection means Your symptom response will be amplified.”
DoH research shows that 13% of e-cigarette users require hospitalization, which reflects the growing popularity of e-cigarettes.
Dr. Majid pointed out that young people have begun to use e-cigarettes because it is easy to buy, and believes that it is less harmful than cigarettes. Nevertheless, long-term use will make people vulnerable to infection.
“Adults usually use this device as an alternative to smoking cessation. Electronic cigarettes are usually less harmful than ordinary smoking. It is still unsafe to eat because it usually contains a lot of nicotine, artificial flavors and other chemicals, which will generate vapor when inhaled. It affects the lungs. Nicotine makes e-cigarettes addictive. Continuous and long-term use of e-cigarettes will gradually affect the lungs, making them susceptible to infection.”
Dr. Youssef said that e-cigarettes may cause EVALI, that is, e-cigarettes or e-cigarette-related lung damage.
“Research is evaluating pathological changes in the lungs of people who smoke e-cigarettes. These people describe acute inflammation and air sac injury. These changes may induce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like disease. I hope that Covid-19 will amplify any of these changes. .”
Dr. Majid pointed out that the Eid al-Adha holiday can be considered a good time to quit smoking. “This is the best time for tobacco consumers to quit smoking and focus on a smoke-free lifestyle.”
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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