TB & Smoking: How Tobacco Increases Your Risk of Infection

Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of infections across various body systems, primarily due to its detrimental effects on the immune system. Smokers are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections, with studies indicating that they have a 2.5 fold higher risk of infection  compared to non-smokers. This increased vulnerability is attributed to both structural and immunological changes caused by smoking.

The inhalation of tobacco smoke damages the respiratory tract's epithelial cells and impairs mucociliary clearance, which is essential for removing pathogens from the lungs. Furthermore, smoking induces chronic inflammation and alters the function of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, reducing their ability to fight infections effectively. Cigarette smoke has been shown to suppress phagocytosis—the process by which immune cells engulf and destroy bacteria—and decrease the production of critical immune molecules.

Additionally, smoking not only compromises local immune responses but also affects systemic immunity. It leads to a reduction in circulating antibodies and depresses antibody responses, further diminishing the body's capacity to combat invading pathogens. Smokers are also at a higher risk for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to changes in microbial communities in the respiratory tract, which can enhance pathogen virulence and adherence.

Moreover, tobacco smoke exposure has been linked to an increased incidence of various bacterial infections beyond the respiratory system, including those causing peptic ulcers and sexually transmitted diseases. The cumulative effect of these factors results in smokers experiencing more severe infections with longer durations, underscoring the critical need for smoking cessation as a preventive measure against infectious diseases.