Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has led to more than 771,000 deaths worldwide. Tobacco smoking is a major known risk factor for severe illness and even death from many respiratory infections. The effects of smoking on COVID-19 are currently controversial. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the effects of smoking on the clinical manifestations, disease progression, inflammatory responses, immunopathogenesis, racial ethnic disparities, and incidence of COVID-19. This review also documents future directions of smoking related research in COVID-19. The current epidemiological finding suggests that active smoking is associated with an increased severity of disease and death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Smoking can upregulate the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor utilized by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the host cell and activate a ‘cytokine storm’ which can lead to worsen outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This receptor can also act as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on a legacy of inequalities regarding gender, racial, and ethnic health disparities associated with active smoking, thus, smoking cessation may help in improving outcomes. In addition, to flatten the COVID-19 curve, staying indoors, avoiding unnecessary social contact, and bolstering the immune defense system by maintaining a healthy diet/living are highly desirable.
Highlights
A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak spread is noticed across the world that is assumed to be originated from Wuhan, China
COVID-19 infections have a high homology (>80%) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which was responsible for the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) outbreak in Guandong Province in Southeast China in 2003
Considering the complications resulting from smoking in patients with viral infections, we attempted to highlight research focusing on the association between smoking and COVID-19 outcomes, including disease severity, pathogenesis, potential molecular mechanisms, and possible therapeutic interventions
Summary
A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak spread is noticed across the world that is assumed to be originated from Wuhan, China. Similar to avian influenza H7N9 virus and SARS-CoV infections, SARS-CoV-2 is more readily predisposed to cause respiratory failure and death in susceptible patients associated. Disease multiple studies showing that smokers experience increased rates of influenza, bacterial pneumonia, Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that not all COVID-19 infections are fatal, and an estimated and tuberculosis [16,17,18]. Patients pre-existing and current tobacco use are much moreproduced likely to CDC, the COVID-19 viruswith typically spreadsCOPD from person to person by respiratory droplets experience poor therapeutic from. Common increases compared to non-smokers, is associated with higher rates of admission to symptomsdramatically include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of theand sense of smell and taste, headache, loss of appetite, intensive care units (ICU), of ventilators, and leading to death(s).
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