Dan O’Brien, MD via phone, Zoom or Skype from St. Louis
Intro: We are seeing a rise in COVID-19 in smokers, as well as opioid users. There has been an increase in substance abuse because of the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic so it is becoming a vicious cycle of worry, abuse and infection. Joining us in this discussion is medical futurist Dr. Dan O’Brien.
Dr Dan question: Are smokers really at more risk of getting COVID-19?
Dr. Dan answer: Yes. According to the NIH on drug abuse, COVID 19 attacks the lungs. Smokers already tend to have reduced lung capacity, and thus an increase the oxygen demand which can lead to serious lung conditions like pneumonia. Also, damage to the lung cells reduces the ability to respond to an infection and smoking is a risk factor for acute respiratory infections.
Dr. Dan question: What have been the clinical outcomes of patients who smoked who contracted COVID-19?
Dr. Dan answer: From published data we can calculate that smoker were 1.4 times more likely to have severe symptoms of COVID-19 and approximately 2.4 times more likely to be admitted to the ICU, need mechanical ventilation or die compared to non-smokers.
Dr. Dan question: Do you believe we will see a decline in smoking after the pandemic is over?
Dr. Dan answer: Yes, people are realizing the importance of their health and this includes smoking. People are becoming fearful of getting the COVID-19 and they are wanting to take the proper precautions.
Dr. Dan question: What are some alternatives that individuals can do instead of smoking during this time?
Dr. Dan answer: Research has shown at Oxford University that it is helpful to use a combination of stop smoking medicines and behavior support. Quitting is very difficult to do and often at times it takes several tries to stop smoking, but it’s well worth the struggle in the end.
Dr Dan question: How about other substance abuse disorders especially patients who are on opioids? Do they have a higher risk of getting COVID-19 as well?
Dr. Dan answer: Yes, opioid use disorder patients face challenges to their respiratory health as well. Since opioids act at the brainstem to slow breathing, their use not only puts the patient at risk of a life threatening overdose, but also causes a decrease in oxygen in the blood and this diminished lung capacity and endanger this population as well.
Dr Dan question: Where may we get more information on you and articles you have written on COVID-19?
Dr. Dan answer: At DrDanMd.com
About Dr. Dan O’Brien:
Dr. Dan is a medical expert for ‘the here and now’ but he’s also a medical Futurist, with specialized knowledge in telemedicine, digital health, robotic technology, gene editing, augmented reality, software technology and A.I.
A physician and professor with a passion for innovative healthcare technologies and public health, Dr. Dan is a popular medical expert with appearances on national Talk Shows including on Fox Television.
Dr. Dan understands the need to improve quality of care, cost, and access in healthcare. As a Chief Medical Officer for multiple healthcare startups and an award-winning scientific and academic leader, Dr. Dan brings substantial experience in public health and healthcare management.
An award-winning scientific and academic leader, Dr. Dan has worked with several biotech and pharmaceutical companies on increasing awareness, education, and research in many diagnostic and therapeutic fields, including in the biotechnology industry.
Not only is Dr. Dan is a medical expert for the here and now, but he’s also a medical Futurist, with specialized knowledge in nanobots, remote surgery and medical apps with algorithms that can be used in early detection as well as using AI to project the likely spread of disease.
Dr. Dan has an extensive physician network including relationships with key opinion leaders around the world. He has completed his clinical rotations at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and also has completed a certificate of participation from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has an MBA in healthcare management, and a B.A from the University of Notre Dame.
