Effective ENT Solutions for Post-COVID Smell Loss Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a variety of new health challenges, with one of the most puzzling and disruptive being post-COVID smell loss. For many patients, recovering their sense of smell is a vital step toward regaining normalcy and improving quality of life. Fortunately, ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat) specialists are leading advances in innovative solutions and therapies tailored to this condition. In this blog, we’ll explore what post-COVID smell loss is, outline the diagnostic approaches ENT professionals use, and discuss the latest treatment options to guide you on your path to recovery.

Understanding Post-COVID Smell Loss

What is Post-COVID Smell Loss?

Post-COVID smell loss, medically known as anosmia, refers to a complete or partial loss of the ability to detect odors following a COVID-19 infection. While some people experience only mild disruptions, others suffer from a complete loss of smell lasting weeks or even months. Beyond anosmia, patients may experience related issues such as hyposmia (a reduced ability to smell), parosmia (distorted or unpleasant smells), and changes in taste called ageusia.

For example, a patient might report that the smell of freshly brewed coffee now seems burnt or metallic—a common form of parosmia that can affect enjoyment of food and daily life.

Smell disturbances after COVID-19 can take various forms and affect each patient differently.

Why Addressing Smell Loss Matters

The ability to smell serves more than just the enjoyment of fragrances. Smell is closely linked to taste, shaping how we perceive food and drink, and it plays a critical safety role by alerting us to dangers such as smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food. Patients with smell loss often report diminished appetite, unintended weight loss, and a sense of detachment from their surroundings.

Addressing post-COVID smell loss can improve nutrition, safety, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life. One ENT specialist shared, “For many patients, regaining smell is like opening the door to their world again—it’s essential to their recovery both physically and emotionally.”

Restoring your sense of smell supports both physical health and emotional connection.

Prevalence and Duration

Smell loss following COVID-19 infection is common. Research shows that a significant portion of patients—estimated between 40% and 70% in some studies—experience some level of anosmia or hyposmia during or after their illness. For most individuals, smell returns within several weeks, but for a notable minority, symptoms may persist for months or longer. This variability in recovery has driven ongoing research to understand why some people face persistent smell impairment while others recover quickly.

Most recover within weeks, but prolonged cases highlight the need for specialized care.

How COVID-19 Affects Your Sense of Smell

The Olfactory System and Viral Impact

Our sense of smell depends on the olfactory nerve, located high inside the nasal cavity—a region extremely sensitive to airborne molecules. COVID-19 does not attack olfactory neurons directly but targets the supporting cells that nurture these neurons. This causes inflammation and temporary dysfunction. In some cases, the olfactory nerve itself may be injured, which can prolong or complicate recovery.

Imagine the olfactory nerve as a complex network of electrical wiring: if the insulating support cells are damaged or inflamed, signals cannot be properly sent to the brain, resulting in loss or distortion of smell.

Damage to supporting cells disrupts odor signal transmission, leading to smell loss.

Possible Underlying Nasal Issues

For some patients, the problem is not solely nerve-related. Nasal issues such as polyps, chronic sinusitis, or persistent congestion can block airflow to the olfactory receptors, worsening smell loss. These conditions may have existed before COVID-19 but often worsen due to viral inflammation.

Identifying and treating these underlying nasal problems is essential, as they can be reversible causes of prolonged anosmia and may be resolved with targeted in-office procedures.

Addressing nasal obstructions may significantly improve smell recovery.

Ongoing Research on Neurological Effects

Beyond the nasal cavity, evidence suggests COVID-19 may cause neurological inflammation or subtle nerve injuries along the brain’s smell pathways. This neurological involvement is the subject of active research, potentially explaining why some patients experience long-lasting or stubborn smell loss long after their infection clears.

Neurological factors could contribute to persistent smell disorders, emphasizing the complexity of post-COVID anosmia.

Learn more: Yale Medicine | Jefferson Research

Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing post-COVID smell loss early allows for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Complete or partial loss of smell (anosmia or hyposmia)
• Distorted or unpleasant smell perception (parosmia), where familiar scents smell “off” or wrong
• Changes in taste (ageusia), as taste and smell are closely connected
• Loss of appetite or reduced pleasure from eating
• Safety concerns, such as inability to detect smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food

If you or a loved one notice these symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, scheduling a thorough evaluation with an ENT specialist at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia is highly recommended.

Early recognition and evaluation improve treatment outcomes.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose Post-COVID Smell Loss

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Here's what you can expect during an ENT evaluation:

Patient History and Symptom Review

Your specialist will discuss the onset, duration, and nature of your smell loss—whether sudden or gradual, fluctuating or constant—and check for associated symptoms like nasal blockage or taste changes. They will also inquire about allergies, sinus issues, or prior nasal surgeries that might influence diagnosis.

Physical Nasal Examination

A thorough nasal exam helps identify visible causes such as swelling, polyps, or congestion. Nasal endoscopy—a technique using a tiny, flexible camera gently inserted into the nostrils—provides direct visualization of the nasal cavity and olfactory region. This procedure is quick, painless, and highly informative in ruling out treatable causes.

Learn more about nasal endoscopy

Olfactory Testing Methods

Standardized smell tests present familiar scents at controlled strengths to evaluate the degree and pattern of impairment. These safe, non-invasive tests give valuable insights into olfactory function.

Imaging or Additional Tests if Needed

In complex or persistent cases, imaging such as CT scans may be ordered to detect hidden sinus disease, structural abnormalities, or other factors affecting smell.

Learn how CT scans support diagnosis

Comprehensive evaluation aids in tailoring the right treatment plan for each patient.

Effective ENT Treatments and Therapies

ENT treatments for post-COVID smell loss focus on promoting natural recovery, stimulating the olfactory system, and managing any nasal conditions impeding improvement.

Smell Retraining Therapy (SRT)

Smell retraining therapy is currently the most widely recommended and evidence-based treatment for post-viral smell loss. SRT involves twice-daily exposure to a core set of essential scents—commonly lemon, rose, eucalyptus, and clove.

By delicately stimulating the olfactory nerve and encouraging the brain to relearn scent signals, patients often experience gradual, meaningful improvement over weeks to months. One patient described SRT as “like physical therapy for my nose,” highlighting the importance of persistence and patience.

Discover more about SRT

Regular smell training empowers your body’s natural healing processes.

Medical Therapies

• Corticosteroids: Short courses of steroid nasal sprays or oral corticosteroids may help reduce nasal inflammation. However, corticosteroids should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects, especially with oral forms. Not all patients respond, particularly if nerve damage is advanced, but some report noticeable improvement.
• Treating Underlying Nasal Conditions: When polyps or obstructions are present, procedures such as in-office polyp removal can enhance nasal airflow and support smell recovery.

See what to expect in nasal polyp removal

Emerging Treatments

The field of anosmia treatment continues to evolve, with new therapies showing promise:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP involves injecting platelet-enriched plasma near the olfactory nerves. Platelets release growth factors that may promote nerve cell regeneration and accelerate healing. Early studies and anecdotal reports are encouraging; however, PRP remains investigational and is not widely available.
• Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): This treatment administers an anesthetic injection to a nerve cluster in the neck to potentially reset abnormal nerve signals involved in chronic smell and taste disorders. Some clinical case reports suggest potential benefits, but SGB remains experimental and should be considered only under specialist guidance.

Both PRP and SGB are investigational and may be options for patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.

Supportive Care and Symptom Management

Maintaining nasal health is vital. This includes regular saline rinses to clear mucus and allergens, avoiding irritants such as smoke and strong perfumes, and ensuring good nutrition to support nerve repair.

Learn about avoiding irritants | Find out how often to rinse your nose

Patients with smell loss should also take extra safety precautions to protect themselves from hazards like smoke, gas leaks, and spoiled food by installing detectors and checking food freshness carefully.

Consistent care and avoiding irritants create the best environment for healing.

What to Expect During Smell Recovery

Recovery times vary widely among individuals. Some patients regain their sense of smell within a few weeks, while others require several months of therapy and patience.

Tips to Support Recovery

• Avoid Smoke and Strong Irritants: These can prolong inflammation and delay healing.
• Maintain Nasal Hygiene: Saline rinses help keep nasal passages clear and healthy.
• Support Nerve Health: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and proper hydration supports tissue repair.

If symptoms persist or worsen beyond several months, a follow-up visit with your ENT specialist is recommended to review treatment options and possibly explore advanced interventions.

Recovery is often gradual—patience and persistence are key.

Common Questions About Post-COVID Smell Loss

Will my sense of smell fully return?

Most patients see meaningful improvement within weeks to months, though timelines vary. Consistent therapies like smell retraining improve chances of recovery.

Read more on recovery expectations

How long does smell retraining therapy take?

SRT is usually recommended for at least 12 weeks, with some patients continuing longer to maximize results.

Are corticosteroids safe for everyone?

Nasal corticosteroids are generally safe, but oral steroids have potential side effects and must be used under medical supervision. Your ENT will assess suitability based on your individual health history.

Can smell loss be permanent?

Permanent anosmia is rare but may occur with significant nerve injury. Early and comprehensive ENT evaluation enhances recovery prospects.

What are the newest treatment options available?

Emerging therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stellate ganglion block (SGB) are promising but remain under investigation. Discuss with your ENT specialist whether these options might be appropriate.

Seeking Expert ENT Care for Post-COVID Smell Loss

If you or a loved one is struggling with smell loss after COVID-19, expert evaluation can make a significant difference. The dedicated ENT professionals at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia provide compassionate, comprehensive evaluations using advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to guide your recovery. Whether through smell retraining therapy, medical treatments, or innovative options like PRP, your personalized treatment plan will focus on restoring not only your sense of smell but your overall enjoyment of life.

With ongoing research and new therapies on the horizon, there is genuine hope for those facing post-COVID anosmia. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment for a thorough evaluation—recovery is possible, and help is available.

Related Reading:

• How ENT Doctors Treat Loss of Smell
• Nasal Polyp Removal In Office: What To Expect
• Will My Sense of Smell Come Back After COVID?

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.