According to experts, Smell training, a cheap and side-effect-free method, involves sniffing at least four different odors, twice daily for several months.
People who have experienced a smell loss due to coronavirus could try “smell training”, say scientists.
Smell training involves sniffing at least four different odors, twice daily for several months.
Prof Carl Philpott, a Smell loss expert from the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School, said the technique “aims to help recovery based on neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize itself to compensate for a change or injury”.
According to research by a group of smell experts, published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology journal, advised against using steroids to treat smell loss, also called anosmia.
Prof Philpott said there is “very little evidence” they will help with smell loss and they have “potential side effects including fluid retention, high blood pressure, and problems with mood swings and behavior”.
According to him, Covid-19 has led to a “huge rise” in smell loss globally and around one in five people who experience smell loss as a result of coronavirus report that their sense of smell has not returned to normal eight weeks after falling ill.
“Luckily, most people who experience smell loss as a result of Covid-19 will regain their sense of smell spontaneously,” he said.
“Research shows that 90% of people will have fully recovered their sense of smell after six months.
“But we do know that smell training could be helpful.
“This involves sniffing at least four different odors twice a day every day for several months.
“It has emerged as a cheap, simple and side-effect free treatment option for various causes of smell loss, including Covid-19.
“It aims to help recovery based on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself to compensate for a change or injury.”