Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has been plaguing the world since its emergence in 2019.

The virus attacks the respiratory system, causing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which leads to a life-threatening condition that requires intubation. Intubation involves inserting a tube into the windpipe to help patients breathe. However, this procedure poses significant risks to patients, and some factors can increase the likelihood of intubation.

In this article, we explore the factors that increase intubation risk in coronavirus patients.

Age

Age is a significant risk factor for intubation in coronavirus patients. Older adults are more vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus and are more likely to require intubation.

According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2020, patients aged 65 years and older had a 19.7% chance of requiring intubation compared to 3.2% in patients aged 18 to 34 years.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Patients with underlying medical conditions have a higher risk of intubation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic lung disease are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness that may require intubation.

Gender

Gender also plays a role in the likelihood of intubation in coronavirus patients. A study published in CHEST Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians found that male patients with COVID-19 were more likely to require intubation than females.

The study showed that the male to female intubation ratio was 1.36: 1.

Obesity

Obesity is a significant factor that increases the risk of intubation in coronavirus patients.

A study published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism in 2020 showed that patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher had a higher risk of requiring intubation than those with lower BMIs. Obesity increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19 and respiratory failure, leading to intubation.

Smoking

Smoking is also a risk factor for intubation in coronavirus patients. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal in 2020 showed that smokers with COVID-19 had a higher risk of requiring intubation than non-smokers.

Smoking can cause chronic lung disease, which increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness and leads to respiratory failure requiring intubation.

Cytokine Storm

A cytokine storm is a severe immune response in which the body releases high levels of cytokines into the bloodstream. Cytokines are signaling molecules that help cells communicate with each other during immune responses.

In coronavirus patients, a cytokine storm can cause severe inflammation and damage to the lungs, leading to respiratory failure and intubation.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can increase the risk of intubation in coronavirus patients. Patients with COVID-19 often receive multiple medications, including antibiotics, antivirals, and steroids.

Some medications can interact with each other and cause adverse effects, leading to respiratory problems that require intubation.

Race

Studies have shown that race and ethnicity can influence the risk of intubation in coronavirus patients.

A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2020 showed that the intubation rate was higher in Hispanic and African American patients with COVID-19 than in other groups. However, the reason why race and ethnicity play a role in the likelihood of intubation is still unclear.

Healthcare Facility Resources

The availability of medical resources in healthcare facilities can influence the risk of intubation in coronavirus patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have faced the challenge of providing adequate medical resources to patients.

The shortage of medical equipment such as ventilators and qualified healthcare personnel can increase the risk of intubation in coronavirus patients.

Preexisting Pulmonary Conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other preexisting pulmonary conditions can increase the risk of intubation in coronavirus patients.

Patients with preexisting lung conditions may have weaker respiratory systems, making them more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness that requires intubation.