Does Nicotine Help Long COVID? What a New Review Suggests
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This review paper argues that many Long COVID symptoms may come from disrupted cholinergic signaling, especially at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The authors propose a simple testable idea: short courses of low-dose nicotine patches could temporarily restore signaling and ease brain fog, fatigue, dizziness, and cold hands or feet. They share one patient case with PET imaging that looked better after a brief patch trial, and a user survey showing many reported improvement. It is promising, but still early. Readers should discuss options with a clinician, not self-medicate.
