Covid 19 is an ongoing pandemic disease which has kept us on our toes since the past one year. What is strange about this new disease is that it is presenting with new symptoms every now and then. Apart from the routine symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, breathing trouble etc., one very unique symptom which patients often complain is loss of smell and often loss of taste.
Loss of smell is common in common cold and flu also but it is mainly because of the nasal congestion and inflammation of the nasal cavity. It is very often temporary.
Loss of smell is seen in almost 3 – 95 percent of patients affected with covid -19 .It is usually seen in mild to moderate cases. The recent theory says that mild disease causes production of higher antibodies which prevent the disease from spreading but at the same time causes more damage to the nasal tissues which in turn causes loss of smell. According to one study, it showed that only about 6-7 percent of critically ill patients have lost their sense of smell. But people with mild disease often complain of loss of smell and in fact it is one of the reasons why patients opt to go for a test for diagnosing Covid 19.
What causes the loss of smell
Our nasal passages and mouth are filled with ACE-2 receptor cells. Covid 19 virus binds to these receptors and invades our bodies. The nerves carrying the smell information is surrounded by these type of cells.Due to the virus,these cells are destroyed and this can cause inflammation of the area and affect the nerves carrying the signals thus affecting our ability to smell. Though it is not yet confirmed that this is the only mechanism causing the smell to be lost.
So sudden loss of smell can be due to covid 19 but we also need to rule out other causes also.
These include:
- Common cold,flu and allergies
- Sinusitis
- Nasal polyposis and tomours
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Tumours of head and neck etc.
How long does this last
Though it varies from person to person,the duration of loss of smell can range from 3 to 28 days but in some patients it may last upto 6 months also.
Until now the studies all point out that this a temporary phase and usually patients gradually do recover their ability to smell.
However if it does not return after 2 weeks also,it is advisable to get yourself examined by an ENT surgeon who can rule out if any other pathology exists.
How does it affect you
Loss of smell can cause anxiety in a lot of patients and though it is not causing any grave damage to the body,some patients can also suffer from depression if it is taking time for the body to recover.
Often it is dangerous for these patients also as they are not able to detect smoke,toxic fumes or any smell from rotten food.
So in short though benign this condition may put you in grave danger in day to day life.
Our food tastes because of the aroma and the interpretation of the olfactory senses also so if the patient is not able to smell the food ,it leads to decreased apetite and often the patient ends up in not enjoying his food.
So what is the treatment available
Though there is no proven medicine,there are sudden studies which show addition of zinc and omega 3 fatty acids as supplements may help in regaining your smell.
OLFACTORY TRAINING- This exercise involves training your nose to various smells.
You can start with various different substances like coffee, perfumes, essential oils, lemons, vanilla, eucalyptus oil etc. The exercise involves smelling these things for about 20 seconds and try to associate the smell with the memories attached with it. This training may help to recover fast and regain your ability to smell.
Steroid sprays- These help to reduce the inflammation in nasal pathway,it may help to recover faster. Mostly these sprays are available over the counter but it is always a better idea to consult an expert before starting them.
Very rarely oral steroids may be used after prescription from a consultant.
There is still some research going on for those patients whose ability to smell is not regained even after 6 months. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) may be used hoping to regenerate olfactory cells. Though this is in the experimental stage only and not the usually recommended treatment.
So all those facing the anxiety of loss of smell after recovering from corona virus may not worry because as the studies show it is a temporary problem and soon you will be back to enjoying your life as good as before.
We have experts from Aashwi ENT Hospital who are extending their support for any patient who wants to talk to them regarding any queries related to this topic.You can contach them at 9979891672 or email them at aashwient.com
Aashwi ENT Hospital is the one stop address to address all your ENT problems.
