Nitric oxide a possible treatment for COVID-19.

[2greys]

Researchers at Uppsala University have found that an effective way of treating the coronavirus behind the 2003 SARS epidemic also works on the closely related SARS-CoV-2 virus, the culprit in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The substance concerned is nitric oxide (NO), a compound with antiviral properties that is produced by the body itself. The study is published in the journal Redox Biology.

“To our knowledge, nitric oxide is the only substance shown so far to have a direct effect on SARS-CoV-2,” says Åke Lundkvist, a professor at Uppsala University, who led the study.

Since there is still no effective cure for COVID-19, the main emphasis in the treatments tested has been on relieving symptoms. This can shorten hospital stays and reduce mortality. To date, however, it has not been possible to prove that any of these treatments has affected the actual virus behind the infection.

uppsalauniversitet.se/en/ne...

[Badbessie]

Again a very interesting paper however sadly it still needs a great amount of research before a safe treatment is confirmed. Happily with the fear of other emerging Covid viruses it could become a weapon to help with other potential outbreaks.

[asafoetida2020]

The significance of nitric oxide naturally produced in the nasal area, and in other parts of the body, in helping respiration in my case bronchiectasis is detailed in my new book 'Bronchiectasis: Taming it and Feeling Better'.

Nitric oxide is used as a treatment for 'blue' babies and helped in the development of viagara. The importance of nitric oxide was recognised in the award of the 1998 physiology and medicine nobel prize.

Perhaps the use of nitric oxide can help patients and others who have developed breathing deficiencies associated with 'long covid19'.