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What is COVID anosmia?
Certain viruses can damage the olfactory nerve cells. The exact cause of post-COVID loss of smell, also known as COVID-19 anosmia, is not fully understood, but it is likely due to dysfunction of the supporting cells of the olfactory nerve.
The resulting smell disorder may take several months to recover. In COVID-19, up to 8 out of 10 people may lose their sense of smell, often together with their sense of taste.
As the infection resolves, the olfactory nerve typically begins to function properly again. Most patients regain their senses within 60 days after recovery from COVID-19.
However, in some cases, disturbances in smell and taste may persist long-term, leading to both nutritional and psychological difficulties.
Treatment
Stellate ganglion block has long been used in the treatment of conditions such as facial pain. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, its effectiveness has also been demonstrated in the treatment of COVID-19-related anosmia.
At our clinic, we have achieved more than 80% improvement in many treated patients(1–3).
Source:
Long-Term COVID-19-Related Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction: A Case Series
