Loss of smell is one of the main symptoms of the disease induced by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. She is also perhaps one of the most surprising. British researchers recently described an exercise to perform in order to regain the sense of smell. The thing is, this one is for people who still have problems with their sense of smell after illness.
Anosmia is a disorder of smell resulting in a total loss of smell , temporary or permanent. This is one of the main symptoms of Covid-19. In the majority of cases, the sense of smell returns fairly quickly after recovery. Nevertheless, one in five people report not having fully regained this sense until eight weeks after contracting the disease. In a publication of April 26, 2021, a team from the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom) offers an exercise to regain the sense of smell. According to the researchers, it is a cheap solution , simple and without side effects.
The exercise in question involves sniffing four different smells at least, twice a day for several months. The researchers explain that the effectiveness of this technique is combined with a good choice of objects to smell. Indeed, it is up to you to choose distinct scents, easily identifiable and familiar . It can for example be a matter of smelling an orange, garlic, mint or even coffee.
Professor Carl Philpott – lead author of the study – indicates that the goal is to promote healing by relying on neuroplasticity. In other words, it is a question of relying on the brain's ability to reorganize in order to compensate for a change (or an injury). In short, it is about relearning the brain to recognize different smells.
Currently, the medication that doctors prescribe to treat anosmia is none other than corticosteroid therapy. However, this kind of remedy is generally used in the treatment of asthma by reducing inflammation in the body. Nevertheless, British scientists advise against taking this treatment in cases of anosmia. According to them, there is still too little evidence of their effectiveness.
There are even potential side effects, including high blood pressure, water retention, and mood and behavior issues. Fortunately, most former patients recover their sense of smell fairly quickly and are therefore not affected. For others, you might as well try to practice the exercise described in this article before committing to taking a treatment with potentially undesirable effects.
