Mthandazo Ndlovu
A coronavirus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most coronaviruses aren’t dangerous. But in early 2020, after a December 2019 outbreak in China, the World Health Organisation identified a new type of coronavirus. Officials named this new virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This is the virus that causes Covid-19.
Coronavirus disease 2019, or Covid-19, is a disease that can cause what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs).
The virus can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock, and death.
– Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
– Chest pain or pressure
– New confusion
– Can’t wake up
– Bluish lips or face
The world is in total confusion with the outbreak of this virus and is doing the best they can to keep it in check.
The world is in a lockdown and some nations have declared a sober lockdown, advising their nationals to be sober and alcohol free over this period of assessment, and this has not been received well by those that are dependent or addicted to alcohol.
This has led me to take time and try and educate those desiring their wise waters even in a time like this, on the effects of drugs and alcohol on the respiratory system.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it will slow down your nervous system. Depending on the amount of alcohol you consume, you may experience a variety of emotional and physical changes. For example, when alcohol is absorbed in your bloodstream, it is then dispersed to other organs.
The liver is responsible for dispelling the alcohol from your body. However, if the liver cannot keep up with your alcohol consumption, then the alcohol will build up and lead to you becoming intoxicated, which cause certain functions controlled by your nerves to be impaired. Breathing is one of them.
Alcohol can cause problems with your breathing in a variety of ways. However, the most immediate breathing problem is after the alcohol leaves the stomach. After alcohol is consumed, it will pass through the stomach and rest in the small intestines for a short time. The alcohol is then absorbed into the bloodstream from the walls of the intestines. The alcohol is then distributed to other areas of the body, and because it acts as a depressant, it begins to slow your breathing down.
Be safe stay at home and be sober during this time as we work hand in hand in dealing with the life threat at hand. If you need help or know someone who needs help call or whatsapp +263772399734 or email [email protected]
Join the Rechabites in creating a drug-free healthy and productive society.
– Mthandazo Ndlovu is a drug prevention and rehabilitation specialist, addictions counsellor, adolescent counsellor, professional counsellor.
