On Feb. 27, we recognize National Anosmia Awareness Day. Anosmia is among the most common taste and smell disorders, and it means that a person has lost the sense of smell.

During the peak of COVID-19, millions of people lost their sense of smell due to the virus. Some gained it back completely, but others never fully recovered. Why did this happen?

The olfactory nerves in the upper nasal cavity are responsible for the sense of smell: They detect molecules released by your surroundings and send signals to the brain to interpret smells. When those nerves are affected by a virus, aging or other factors such as smoking or hormonal disturbances, your sense of smell can suffer, diminishing your quality of life and possibly even putting you in danger.

When a person cannot smell anything, the condition is called anosmia. Hyposmia is the decreased ability to detect odors through your nose. If you are experiencing either condition, see your healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause so that it can be treated.

Allison Lipely, MSEP, TTS, cardiopulmonary rehab lead with Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital, says that Smell Retraining Therapy (SRT), originally developed by Dr. Thomas Hummel at the University of Dresden, has been used to help stimulate the olfactory system for people experiencing anosmia or hyposmia after COVID-19 or other damage to the olfactory nerves.

“SRT involves repeated exposure to different smells through the nose, which will establish a memory of that smell,” Lipely says. “The goal of SRT is to allow olfactory neurons to regrow while also encouraging better brain connectivity.”

Aultman begins SRT with four different essential oils – one each from the floral, fruity, spicy and resinous fragrance families. “Patients in SRT take small sniffs of each for 10-20 seconds at least once per day,” Lipely says. “It’s important during that 10-20 seconds to stay focused, concentrating on your memory of that smell.”

A newer treatment option is also showing promise for anosmia and hyposmia patients. Topical corticosteroid sprays can be used for short-term treatments. These sprays enable the regeneration of damaged cells that support the olfactory neurons. SRT and the corticosteroid sprays do not offer full recovery of the sense of smell, but 85%-90% of those affected can see improvements within four weeks of starting treatment.

If you are looking for a primary care provider, visit AultmanDocs.com to find a provider near you. Smell Retraining Therapy (SRT) is offered at Aultman Deuble Heart & Vascular Hospital with a referral from your provider.

Sources:
Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
The Staywell Company, LLC