Loss of smell is one of the most prominent symptoms of the novel coronavirus. Among many other losses, the pandemic has left people with a lingering loss of smell even after recovery.
If your sense of smell is worrying you, experts say you should not use steroids to treat Covid-related smell loss and try ‘smell training’ instead.
The international panel of smell experts recommend 'smell training' - a process that involves sniffing at least four different odours twice a day for several months.
Writing in the journal International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, the team said ‘around one in five people who experience smell loss as a result of Covid-19 report that their sense of smell has not returned to normal even eight weeks after falling ill.’
In such a case, many doctors are prescribing drugs to help alleviate the problem but these steroids have well-known potential side effects including fluid retention, high blood pressure and problems with mood swings and behaviour.
This is why smell training is a much better, cheaper and side-effect-free alternative. The therapy works by using neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to reorganise itself to compensate for a change or injury. The key is to go and smell distinguished but easily recognisable and familiar smells.
Prof Philpott added that their research shows that 90% of people fully recover their sense of smell after six months.
Disclaimer: editorji does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this story are for informational purposes only. No material in this video is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have related to Covid-19.