Olfactory training can help bring back odors after COVID-19

Even if you've successfully survived the coronavirus, some symptoms may linger - including immunity to odors. Although 95% of patients recover completelyPrevalence and 6-month recovery of olfactory dysfunction: a multicenter study of 1363 COVID-19 patients sense of smell for 6 months after illness, few people want to be among these 5%. A group of scientists, including Professor Carl Philpott of the University of East Anglia, saidSmell training, not steroids, best treatment for COVID ‑ 19 smell loss about an affordable way to regain your sense of smell after COVID-19 without the risk of side effects: olfactory training, the benefits of which were described more than 12 years ago.

Previously, the most effective way to regain the sense of smell after COVID-19 was considered to be the use of hormonal steroids, but a recent studySystemic corticosteroids in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -related smell dysfunction: an international view

, conducted by scientists from different countries, including Professor Philpott, concluded that there is currently no strong evidence of the benefits of this method for patients with smell problems after illness.

On the contrary, there is ample evidence that even brief, unnecessary treatment corticosteroid has long-term side effects, including an increased risk of hip fracture or glaucoma.

At the same time, olfactory training has no known side effects and is the only evidence-based treatment for post-viral olfactory dysfunction.Treatment of post ‑ viral olfactory dysfunction: an evidence ‑ based review with recommendations.

How is this training carried out?

There are different variations, but they all converge on a common idea: you need to select four strong and distinguishable scents and inhale them through your nose 2 times a day daily. This activates the neuroplasticity of the brain - that is, its ability to restore lost connections after injury and damage.

You can use any aromas, but the most effective were pleasant or emotionally significant smells for a particular patient. In the original studyEffects of olfactory training in patients with olfactory loss, dedicated to olfactory training, later called the Hummel method after one of its authors, used aromas of rose, eucalyptus, lemon and carnation. Results are best after 4-6 months of regular exercise.

Such activities do not take much time, do not require expensive equipment, and are suitable to be performed from the first day after recovery.