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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.
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.
