ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The tobacco epidemic has been one of the biggest public health threats, and smoking is one of the world's largest preventable causes of premature death. An estimated 15.4% of all deaths in the world are attributable to tobacco smoking. The present review aims to describe addiction to tobacco smoking and vaping. Tobacco and vaping devices contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug, which explains why smoking is so prevalent and persistent. Electronic cigarettes are a group of novel nicotine or tobacco products that have rapidly gained popularity in recent years. Electronic cigarette devices allow for the use of other drugs, including THC, while the lax regulation may allow for the introduction of toxic compounds that can lead to acute or subacute toxicity, such as the e-cigarette- or vaping-associated lung injury that has been linked to vitamin E acetate. In addition, regular vapers and heated tobacco devices emit toxins, although at lower concentrations than burned tobacco. However, more and more side effects have been identified. No new effective treatment for nicotine addiction has been developed recently, despite its huge adverse impact on overall health and other outcomes. As for the primary line of medications, the last one started in 2006, the varenicline, demonstrating a low interest in developing new medications against smoking, an unacceptable state of affairs, given the huge impact of smoking on morbidity and mortality.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Objective: To describe the possible risks associated to smoking in the spread and complications of Covid-19, emphasizing in the benefits of quitting smoking. Materials and methods: The narrative review methodology and the established process for Cochrane rapid reviews were used. Results: The scientific evidence related to smoking and Covid-19 remains limited. However, there is an already documented trend in cross-sectional, clinical studies and meta-analyses on the increased risk of adverse outcomes with Covid-19 associated with tobacco use. Conclusions: It is necessary to issue a warning that persons who smoke would have greater risks in the Covid-19 pandemic, which add to the many already known risks of tobacco use. Thus, quitting smoking becomes a relevant preventive measure to better confront SARS-CoV-2.
Resumen: Objetivo: Describir los posibles riesgos asociados de tabaquismo con contagio y complicaciones por Covid-19, haciendo hincapié en los beneficios de dejar de fumar. Material y métodos: Se utilizó la metodología de revisión narrativa y el proceso establecido para las revisiones rápidas Cochrane. Resultados: La evidencia científica relacionada con el tabaquismo y Covid-19 todavía es limitada. Existe una tendencia ya documentada en estudios clínicos transversales y metaanálisis del aumento del riesgo de resultados adversos para Covid-19 asociados con el consumo de tabaco. Conclusiones: Es necesario advertir que las personas que fuman tendrán mayores riesgos en la pandemia de Covid-19, los cuales se suman a los muchos ya conocidos del consumo de tabaco, de modo que dejar de fumar se convierte en una medida preventiva relevante para enfrentar mejor el SARS-CoV-2.