Among the most surprising symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection is loss of smell (anosmia). According to a European study published in May 2020, anosmia is one of the most frequent symptoms of Covid-19, just after headaches (headaches); odor disorders occur either before the onset of symptoms (general and ENT) (in 12% of cases), or during (65% of cases) or after (23% of cases); women are surprisingly more affected than men.
To help patients suffering from anosmia, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) established an olfactory rehabilitation protocol in February 2021: this consists of smelling fairly strong perfumes twice a day (vanilla, clove, specific essential oils …) and to practice daily nose washes with physiological serum.
Anosmia: an “olfactory training” rather than anti-inflammatory drugs
However, there is another possibility: a recent study from the University of East Anglia (England) describes “olfactory training” for patients suffering from loss of smell. Developed by Prof. Carl Philpott, specialist in anosmia, this protocol (which plays on neuroplasticity) consists of smelling 4 different smells in a row, twice a day, for 3 to 6 months. As for the “testers”, there is a choice: vanilla pod, bergamot or jasmine tea, bouquet of roses or lilies, olive oil or essential oils (beware of contraindications), cheese or herbs aromatics …
On the other hand, according to the English researchers, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs would have little interest to treat the loss of smell: “corticosteroids have not demonstrated particular efficacy against anosmia: moreover, they may be responsible for undesirable effects (edema, arterial hypertension, mood disorders, etc.)“they explain in the specialized magazine International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology.
Good news: according to the international study mentioned above (which involved 1,420 patients with Covid-19 in 18 European hospitals), almost half of patients with anosmia recover their sense of smell within a short period of 15 days.
Read also :
- Can you re-educate your sense of smell after a Covid-19?
- “Patients smell phantom odors”, a new symptom of Covid deciphered by a doctor
- Loss of smell and Covid-19: the majority of patients recover after 2 months
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