How can I “train” SARS-CoV-2 lost through infection: sense of smell and taste? Have there been any ideas for “rehabilitation” of these senses? We consult a physician and promoter of medical knowledge, a specialist in the field of rheumatology – Bartosz Fiałek.
- From 2 – 20 percent patients with COVID-19 present symptoms of long COVID – some of them complain of chronic loss of the senses: smell and taste
- The cause may be, on the one hand, nerve damage by SARS-CoV-2, and on the other hand, a chronic inflammatory reaction that does not subside after an active infection process
- A study is currently underway to administer COVID-19 vaccines to treat symptoms of long COVID, including loss of sense of smell and taste
- Home therapy, simple home therapy, which uses the neuroplasticity of the brain, also turns out to be effective
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The cause of the loss of sensory sensitivity
We know that people who have contracted COVID-19 (data say 2-20%) show symptoms of long COVID, i.e. symptoms that persist or come back long after the active SARS-2 coronavirus infection is over. Some of them complain of a chronic loss of the senses: smell and taste, which are one of the symptoms of COVID-19.
- Also read: How do you know if COVID-19 has left traces in your body? [WE EXPLAIN]
– So far, we do not know the cause of the long persistence of these symptoms, but the two most frequently repeated hypotheses indicate, on the one hand, nerve damage by SARS-CoV-2, and, on the other hand, a chronic inflammatory reaction that does not subside after the active process of coronavirus infection, which causes the symptoms do not subside – specifies Bartosz Fiałek.
Treatment of long COVID-19
– Initially, it was suggested to prescribe glucocorticosteroids to treat chronic loss of smell and taste, but due to the low effectiveness and a large number of side effects of this therapy, it is not widely recommended now – says Bartosz Fiałek.
Can COVID-19 Vaccinations Treat Long Covid Symptoms?
-A study is currently underway to administer COVID-19 vaccines to treat symptoms of long COVID, including loss of sense of smell and taste. These are the aftermath of very promising reports from people who, after being vaccinated against COVID-19, have significantly improved chronic symptoms of the so-called long tail COVID-19. This research is carried out by prof. Akiko Iwasaka from Yale University, explains the doctor.
- Also read: COVID-19 surprised again. What is a “black mushroom”? WE EXPLAIN
Home therapy
In addition, you can use very simple and home therapy. It is suggested that twice a day for several months (or until you regain your senses), smell known substances with a strong and different smell. For example: oranges, mint, garlic, and coffee. It is believed that doing so can help the brain “reorganize” by taking advantage of neuroplasticity, and this relationship is expected to help regain lost senses.
- Also read: Complications after COVID-19. What are the symptoms and what tests should be done after the disease?
Of course, we need a lot more research in order to best help patients who have lost their sense of smell and taste as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection – emphasizes Bartosz Fiałek.
Also read:
- COVID-19 free counties. Where are there no new deaths and infections? MAP
- However, a bat? Scientists have found novel coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 in flying mammals
- Indian mutation in Sweden. Anders Tegnell comments on the situation
- Italy: An 18-year-old girl died of AstraZeneca vaccine
- Why do I need booster doses of vaccines? [WE EXPLAIN]
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