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The loss of the sense of smell, also known as anosmia, is a common symptom of COVID-19 that can significantly affect daily life. Fortunately, there are various methods and treatments that can help restore the sense of smell.
For many, the loss of smell is temporary, but some experience a more prolonged issue, even after other symptoms have disappeared. The loss of smell can not only reduce the quality of life but also affect taste, appetite, partner choice, and overall well-being.
In this article, we discuss the potential causes of smell loss due to COVID-19 and provide scientifically supported strategies to help you regain your sense of smell. Whether you're dealing with this issue yourself or know someone who is, this article is here to help.
The loss of smell due to COVID-19 is a result of the way the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, affects the cells in the nose. The virus attaches to ACE2 receptors that are present in high concentrations in the supporting cells of the olfactory epithelium, the tissue responsible for smell perception.
When the virus infects these cells, it causes inflammation and damage that disrupt the normal function of the olfactory receptors. Although the neurons themselves often remain intact, the supporting cells may temporarily be unable to function properly. This leads to a reduced ability to perceive smells.
Additionally, the inflammation in the nasal cavity and sinuses caused by the infection can contribute to the blockage of odor molecules reaching the olfactory nerves. In severe cases, the immune system itself can also damage the olfactory receptors during the fight against the virus, resulting in a longer-lasting loss of smell.
But there is hope. Scientific studies have shown that the sense of smell, lost due to COVID-19, can recover in many cases. This recovery process varies from person to person, but the regenerative capacities of the olfactory epithelium play a crucial role.
A key finding from research is that the olfactory epithelium, the tissue in the nasal cavity responsible for smell detection, can renew itself. Studies have shown that even after significant damage from viral infections like COVID-19, the supporting cells and nerve receptors can regenerate and restore their function.
Several therapies for the recovery of the sense of smell have emerged from scientific research:
One of the most effective methods to restore the sense of smell after loss due to COVID-19 is smell training. This therapy involves regularly smelling a set of strong, recognizable scents, such as eucalyptus, lemon, rose, and clove. Smell training works by utilizing the neuroplastic capacity of the brain – the ability of the brain to form and restore new connections after damage. By regularly exposing the brain to different smells, it can learn to recognize and interpret odor stimuli again.
A significant study, published in The Laryngoscope by Dr. Thomas Hummel and colleagues from the Technische Universität Dresden, showed that smell training can be effective in recovering the sense of smell. In this study, patients who underwent smell training were compared to a control group that did not receive any specific therapy. The results showed that the group following smell training reported significantly better improvements in their sense of smell. Participants were encouraged to smell different scents such as eucalyptus, lemon, rose, and clove daily.
Another study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, investigated the effectiveness of smell training in patients with post-infectious anosmia, including that caused by COVID-19. This research, led by Dr. Jerome R. Lechien, found that patients who followed smell training experienced a faster and more significant improvement in their sense of smell compared to those who did not.
It is however important to note that the timing of starting smell therapy after losing the sense of smell due to COVID-19 is crucial. Early intervention can promote a faster and more effective recovery phase. Nonetheless, even if the loss of smell has been prolonged, smell therapy can still offer valuable benefits and contribute to a potential improvement in the sense of smell.
In addition to smell training, dietary supplements can play a valuable role in the recovery of the sense of smell after COVID-19. Scientific studies suggest that certain supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A, can contribute to the regeneration of olfactory nerves and the reduction of inflammation, promoting the recovery process.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on neurological health and the recovery of sensory functions. The researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and promote neurogenesis, the process of forming new neurons. This can be beneficial for the recovery of the sense of smell, as inflammation and neuronal damage often contribute to smell loss in viral infections like COVID-19.
Vitamin A is another supplement that offers potential benefits for the recovery of the sense of smell. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin A is essential for the health of mucous membranes and the regeneration of epithelial cells. In cases of smell loss, vitamin A can help restore the olfactory epithelium, the tissue in the nose responsible for smell detection.
Additionally, a study published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine showed that zinc supplements can contribute to the recovery of the sense of smell. Zinc plays a crucial role in cell regeneration and the immune system, and a deficiency in zinc has been linked to anosmia. The study found that zinc supplementation in patients with zinc deficiency led to improvements in their sense of smell.
Platelet-rich plasma (PrP) injections are an innovative treatment method being explored for the recovery of the sense of smell after COVID-19. PrP is made by centrifuging the patient's blood to obtain a concentrated solution of platelets. This solution contains growth factors that can promote the regenerative process of tissues.
PrP injections work by accelerating the body's natural healing process. The platelets in PrP contain various growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF), which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. When PrP is injected into the damaged olfactory epithelium, these growth factors can help restore the olfactory nerves and improve the overall health of the olfactory tissue.
A study published in The American Journal of Otolaryngology by Dr. Alfred Iloreta and colleagues investigated the use of PrP injections in patients with anosmia. The results showed that PrP injections can contribute to the regeneration of the olfactory epithelium and the recovery of the sense of smell. Patients who received PrP injections reported significant improvements in their sense of smell compared to those who received a placebo treatment.
Another study, published in The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, examined the effects of PrP injections in patients with chronic smell loss. The researchers found that the growth factors in PrP have anti-inflammatory properties and stimulate the growth and regeneration of damaged olfactory tissue. This resulted in an improvement in the sense of smell in many patients.
Since PrP injections are still considered an experimental treatment for smell loss, they are not yet available to everyone. Despite this, and although the safety of this treatment cannot yet be fully guaranteed, it offers hope for many people.
From smell training and dietary supplements to innovative treatments like Platelet-rich Plasma (PrP) injections, there are various methods that can help restore your sense of smell. The regenerative capacities of the olfactory epithelium and the resilience of our bodies provide a positive outlook for recovery.
Stay patient and persistent in your efforts, and remember that many people eventually regain their sense of smell with the right approach and time.
