Many still suffer from Covid-19-related sensory loss.Here are some new insights into the reason

Remember that in the early days of Covid-19, one of the first obvious signs of infection was the loss of the sense of smell? Have you ever wondered why this is no longer the main problem of infection, even though a very similar form of coronavirus still exists? No? Well, millions of people remember, and Nature,Many study What was the cause, why it was no longer a problem, and what can be done for those who are still suffering almost two years after recovery.

1 review Of the more than 600,000 adult patients who recovered from Covid-19 infection, about 50% of those infected with the primary or alpha mutant were found to suffer from changes in the sense of smell. This dropped to 44% for the Delta variant and 17% for the currently popular Omicron variant. Small changes in the peplomer of each variant may explain why the previous form attacked the nerve, but the new form does not.

Unfortunately, more than half of people who have both sense of smell and taste changed during the initial infection Still reporting Confusion in these senses one year after recovery. This is very painful for millions of people who continue to have either a complete loss, a partial loss, or a change in function of these important sensations.

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Early causal theories were based on similar concepts found in other viruses, such as the influenza virus. Influenza viruses are known to alter or knock out nerve fibers in the sense of smell (the nerves that cause the sense of smell). In addition, the idea that swelling of the nasal tissue during an acute viral infection can lead to a blunted sense of smell is not as initially thought, but it continues to work.The former is likely to be the cause, and the virus particles Sustentacular cells It blocks the nerve’s ability to sense the sense of smell of olfactory neurons.

These changes in both the olfactory nerve and the parts of the brain that cause the sense of smell can be long-term and even permanent, and researchers have begun to better explore treatment options. Inflammatory components can be treated with oral or nasal steroids, but there is little evidence of these benefits. Two very small the studyIn a total of less than 20 patients, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to have the potential to improve sensory function over a period of 3-6 months.

The Clinical Smell Working GroupConsists of 16 odor and taste experts from around the world and recommends olfactory training to help restore the odor of people suffering from long-term loss of odor (anosmia) due to Covid-19 infection. Announced the statement.

Concept of Smell retraining therapy It is to induce scent memory while engaging in the actual act of smelling different scents. We recommend using essential oils, inhalation sticks, or fresh fruits and herbs. It is best to use one scent from four major scent categories (swell, salty, savory, resinous). Experts recommend anticipating bitter or scorched stinks in this process.

It is advisable to smell each scent several times a day for 10-20 seconds, focusing on the goal of ultimately perceiving each scent. There is evidence that the olfactory nerve can be restored, and early studies have shown some benefit from this intervention.

Patients report anxiety and depression due to continuous loss of odor and are at significant risk of not being able to detect burning or gas leaks at home. Dr. Erin O’BrienMayo Clinic nasalists (sinus specialists) share some techniques on the practice of retraining the sense of smell here:

The widespread variant of Omicron carries multiple burdens, including high potential for transmission and symptoms ranging from mild to severe respiratory illness, but odor loss is 1-2 years. It’s much less common than before. However, people with Covid-19 infection in the first months and years of the pandemic still suffer from life-changing conditions more than two years later.