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Review
. 2020 Jul 14:18:60.
doi: 10.18332/tid/123845. eCollection 2020.

Smoking increases the risk of infectious diseases: A narrative review

Chen Jiang  1 , Qiong Chen  2 , Mingxuan Xie  1
Affiliations
Review

Smoking increases the risk of infectious diseases: A narrative review

Chen Jiang et al. Tob Induc Dis. .

Abstract

Smoking is relevant to infectious diseases resulting in increased prevalence and mortality. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the effects of smoking in various infections and to explain the potential mechanisms. We searched PubMed and other relevant databases for scientific studies that explored the relationship between smoking and infection. The mechanisms of susceptibility to infection in smokers may include alteration of the structural, functional and immunologic host defences. Smoking is one of the main risk factors for infections in the respiratory tract, digestive tract, reproductive tract, and other systems in humans, increasing the prevalence of HIV, tuberculosis, SARS-CoV, and the current SARS-CoV-2. Smoking cessation can reduce the risk of infection. Smoking increases the incidence of infections and aggravates the progress and prognosis of infectious diseases in a dose-dependent manner. Smoking cessation promotion and education are the most practical and economical preventive measures to reduce aggravation of disease infection owing to tobacco use.

Keywords: infection; respiratory tract; smoking; tobacco.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported.

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