Chronic Diseases and COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

The existence of a causal relationship between the rise of the death rate in COVID-19 infected patients and their sufferance from non-communicable pathophysiological conditions, particularly chronic diseases, was recently evidenced. In fact, in addition to the immunodeficiency generated by chronic disease conditions, COVID-19 also led to affect the immune system. Furthermore, the novel coronavirus attacks the lungs and other vital organs such as heart, kidneys, and brain. All these outcomes are accused of being involved in the increasing vulnerability and comorbidity in COVID-19- infected people with chronic diseases. Pharmacological, dietetic and natural approaches were suggested after deep bibliographic research for presenting preventive recommendations for this category of patients in order to avoid the fatal complications of this infection, and consequently limiting the risk of comorbidity. In this regard, some medications could enter into interaction with COVID-19 infection in patients with diabetes or hypertension and thereafter lead to fatal complications. Furthermore, regarding their nutritional values, some foods are more useful than others during this pandemic period because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and perhaps some bioactive phytochemicals, which are known to be effective in improving immune response, managing chronic diseases and/or having antiviral activities. In addition, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics could be helpful in these conditions. Interestingly, in order to understand the mechanism of this causality and suggesting efficacious solutions, this review deserves considerable epidemiologic, clinical and experimental investigations.