Intensive Olfactory Training in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

A study conducted by researchers from the Hospital de Clínicas – UFPR (UFPR Clinical Hospital), in partnership with Grupo Boticário, investigated the effects of olfactory training on patients who experienced persistent olfactory dysfunction after contracting COVID-19. Olfactory dysfunction, including the total loss (anosmia) or reduction (hyposmia) of smell, has been identified as a common symptom of coronavirus infection.

To understand if olfactory training could be the key to reversing this condition, the researchers gathered a sample of 80 patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction and a recent history of COVID-19, with at least 4 weeks of olfactory dysfunction since the infection. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group received four different olfactory essences for four weeks, while the other group received double the essences (eight, in total) during the same period.

The results were surprising, as both groups experienced significant improvements in their olfactory capacity. However, the study found no statistically significant differences between the two groups, suggesting that intensifying the olfactory training with more essences did not show advantages over the traditional method.

An intriguing finding was the association between olfactory fluctuations and better results in odor identification tests. In other words, people who experience variations in their sense of smell are better at identifying odors in tests, suggesting that this difference may be linked to a more positive recovery of olfaction after contracting COVID-19.

Although the research is still ongoing, these results offer a promising perspective for the management of post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory training may prove to be a valuable approach to help patients recover the ability to smell and enjoy the aromas that surround them.

This study highlights the importance of continuous and in-depth research to understand the effects of COVID-19 on the olfactory system and to develop strategies to improve the quality of life of affected patients. As science advances, new approaches may emerge, offering hope and solutions for the challenges brought by this global pandemic.

See the official article at the link.