What is the link between smoking and long Covid symptoms?

Current smokers are more associated with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, and distorted sense of smell compared to non-smokers.

Do different smoking methods affect long Covid symptoms differently?

Yes, dual users of combustible and heated tobacco products showed a stronger correlation with more symptoms, including a bitter taste. HTP users also reported shortness of breath and sexual dysfunction.

What are the key findings of the Osaka Metropolitan University study?

The study found that long Covid symptoms can differ based on smoking patterns, with current smokers, especially dual users, experiencing more severe or varied symptoms.

Home / Health / Smoking Fuels Long Covid Risk, Study Finds

Smoking Fuels Long Covid Risk, Study Finds

26 Jan

•

Summary

Regular smoking increases risk of four major long Covid symptoms.
Smokers are more prone to chest pain and shortness of breath.
Dual users of cigarettes and heated tobacco reported more symptoms.

Smoking Fuels Long Covid Risk, Study Finds

Research from Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Medicine indicates a strong correlation between tobacco use and the severity of long Covid symptoms. A nationwide survey involving over 34,000 participants analyzed five smoking categories: non-smokers, former users, combustible cigarette (CC) users, heated tobacco product (HTP) users, and dual users.

The analysis revealed that current smokers were more likely to experience chest pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, and distorted sense of smell. Individuals who used both combustible and heated tobacco products showed a particularly strong association with these symptoms, and also reported a bitter taste in the mouth.

HTP users specifically faced issues like shortness of breath and sexual dysfunction. The study, published in Scientific Reports, is the first to highlight how long Covid symptoms can differ based on smoking patterns. Researchers plan further investigation into the causal mechanisms to inform public health policies.