Smoking after pneumonia recovery
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Smoking and Pneumonia Recovery: Impact on Therapy Outcomes
Research shows that smoking after recovering from pneumonia can negatively affect the effectiveness of therapy and the chances of full recovery. In a study comparing smokers and non-smokers recovering from pneumonia, smokers had a lower chance of complete recovery (26% vs. 47%) and a higher rate of only partial improvement (61% vs. 43%) compared to non-smokers. The difference in recovery rates was statistically significant, indicating that smoking habits significantly reduce the effectiveness of pneumonia therapy, even though the length of hospital stay was not affected by smoking status .
Smoking and Risk of Recurrence and Mortality After Pneumonia
Continuing to smoke after pneumonia increases the risk of getting pneumonia again. Current smokers have a higher risk of being readmitted to the hospital with recurrent pneumonia within a year compared to never-smokers (adjusted subhazard ratio 1.42) and even compared to ex-smokers (adjusted subhazard ratio 1.24) . Additionally, smoking is an independent risk factor for death after pneumonia. Current smokers have a significantly higher risk of dying within 30 days of a pneumococcal pneumonia diagnosis, even after adjusting for age and other health conditions . The risk of dying from pneumonia increases with the number of years and amount smoked, but decreases the longer a person has quit smoking 78.
Smoking, Immune Function, and Recovery Mechanisms
Smoking impairs important immune processes needed for recovery from pneumonia. Specifically, smokers have reduced efferocytosis, which is the process by which the body clears out dead cells and resolves inflammation in the lungs. This impairment is even worse in smokers with low body mass index, making recovery slower and less effective . Animal studies also show that cigarette smoke exposure can worsen lung injury during bacterial pneumonia, especially when antibiotics are used, leading to more severe inflammation and lung damage .
Smoking and Special Pneumonia Types
Smoking is a known cause of acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP), a rare but serious lung condition. Both traditional cigarettes and other smoking products like e-cigarettes, waterpipes, and marijuana can trigger AEP. Stopping smoking is a key part of treatment for AEP, and most patients recover fully if the exposure is stopped and proper treatment is given 56.
Benefits of Smoking Cessation After Pneumonia
Quitting smoking after pneumonia significantly reduces the risk of future pneumonia and death from pneumonia. The risk of dying from pneumonia drops steadily the longer a person has quit, reaching levels similar to never-smokers after about 10–15 years of cessation 78. This benefit is seen even in people with other health risks, such as those living with HIV, where quitting smoking nearly halves the risk of bacterial pneumonia compared to those who continue to smoke .
Conclusion
Continuing to smoke after recovering from pneumonia leads to poorer recovery, higher risk of recurrence, and increased risk of death. Smoking also impairs the body’s ability to heal the lungs and increases the risk of special types of pneumonia. Quitting smoking, on the other hand, improves recovery outcomes, reduces the risk of future pneumonia, and lowers the risk of death. Smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged for anyone recovering from pneumonia.
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