Today is World No-Tobacco Day: Smoking increases COVID risk

ALAPPUZHA: As the number of people dying from suffocation caused by COVID increases, another No-Tobacco day is being held, reminding us that smokers are more likely to die from the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that smokers are more likely to die from COVID and related diseases.

Although smoking can cause a number of cancers and cardiovascular diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is more common among smokers. It is the same disease that kills most people. The use of tobacco has increased more than smoking. It causes COPD even among teenagers. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that COPD could become one of the five deadliest diseases in five years.

'Do some exercise when you feel like smoking. Avoid situations that lead you to smoking. Sitting idle will make you want to smoke. Statistics show that tobacco consumption is increasing year by year," said Dr. K Venugopal, Chief Consultant, Pulmonary Department General Hospital, Alappuzha.