Although the COVID-19 pandemic is thought by many to be “over,” there is a significant portion of the population that is still suffering from its effects. These individuals are people who contracted COVID-19 at least once but still continue to experience symptoms related to the initial infection.
This condition has come to be known as “Long COVID,” and it is still not well understood how or why it happens. However, there are many physicians who are researching ways to treat patients who are affected by chronic symptoms that they began to experience after recovering from an acute COVID-19 infection.
In this article, we will take a look at what Long COVID is and how it presents itself in many patients. We will also discuss a treatment option known as the Long COVID nicotine patch protocol, which is believed to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with this chronic illness.
Long COVID Causes and Treatment
The condition known as Long COVID is actively being researched by many physicians to better understand the physical mechanism that produces Long COVID symptoms, as well as diagnostic methods and treatment protocols. As of the time this article is being written, there is no clearly defined set of criteria used to determine whether or not someone has Long COVID.
However, physicians may determine that someone is suffering from Long COVID when they present certain symptoms that they did not experience prior to their COVID-19 infection. Here are some of the symptoms that can be associated with Long COVID:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- GI symptoms
- Anosmia
- Increased thirst
- Chronic cough
- Chest pain
What Causes Long COVID?
It is believed by some researchers that long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms may be linked to the way that the virus affects certain set receptors within the body. There are many different types of receptors within the body, and they all play a crucial role in the transmission and reception of signals between neurons.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus’s spike protein is believed to have an affinity for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which means that it can compete against natural neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. When the virus binds to these receptors, it disrupts normal synaptic communication between neurons, which can lead to increased inflammation throughout the body.
How Does the Long COVID Nicotine Patch Protocol Help?
When nicotine is introduced into the body, it attaches to a specific type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor known as the α7nAChR. These receptors are found on certain cells involved in the immune and nervous system, and they play an important part in supporting many vital processes throughout the body.
Because these receptors are found on cells that help reduce inflammation in the body, it is believed that activating these receptors through the use of the Long COVID nicotine patch protocol can stimulate this anti-inflammatory process.
The ACE2 receptor is another important receptor influenced by the Long COVID nicotine patch protocol. During viral infection, the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses these receptors to infiltrate cells in the body and cause illness. However, in addition to binding to these receptors to infect cells, the virus also seems to reduce the number of ACE2 receptors on affected cells.
ACE2 receptors help to control blood pressure and inflammation throughout the body, which makes them key contributors to overall health. So, although it is believed that SARS-CoV-2 can reduce the number of ACE2 receptors on cells, it has been demonstrated that nicotine can increase the number of ACE2 receptors on cells through the use of the Long COVID nicotine patch protocol.
Is the Long COVID Nicotine Patch Protocol Safe?
It is important to note that nicotine is an addictive substance, and it can cause many side effects, especially for those who are not accustomed to using nicotine. Here are a few of the most common side effects associated with nicotine use:
- Stimulation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Jitteriness
- Insomnia
- Tachycardia
Additionally, it is possible to overdose on nicotine. So, if you are considering using the Long COVID nicotine patch protocol to relieve Long COVID symptoms, it is important to discuss this treatment option with your doctor first.
Find Help for Long COVID Symptoms at the Covid Institute
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, then you may be suffering from the condition known as Long COVID. Here at the Covid Institute, we are actively researching and developing ways to treat those who are living with Long COVID and help them find relief.
Dr. Groysman, an experienced physician specializing in interventional pain management, sports medicine, and anesthesiology, is one of the leading experts in the treatment of post-acute sequelae syndrome (PASC), also known as “Long COVID.” He provides compassionate treatment for Long COVID patients on a daily basis, providing relief for long-lasting symptoms.