COVID-ANOSMIA

SUMMARY

1. Typically resolves in 2-4 weeks.

2. Effects appetite & leads to weight-loss as taste is linked with the sense of smell.

MANAGEMENT
3. Education on food safety and home safety: inability to smell spoilt food or gas leaks for example.

4. Maintain good oral hygiene & 2x/day teeth brushing.

5. Olfactory training: sniffing lemon, rose, clove, eucalyptus for 20 sec each, 2x/day.

6. Taste training: experiment with herbs & spices to add flavor to food (caution for worsening gastric reflux).

7. Various online olfactory & taste training programs available.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.