Covid-19 has brought about a wide range of health complications, including long-term smell and taste loss. It is estimated that around 1 in 3 people have experienced some form of smell or taste loss due to the virus. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to help regain smell and taste. In this article, we will explore the overview of Covid-related smell and taste loss, as well as the steps to take to regain smell and taste.
Overview of Covid-Related Smell and Taste Loss
Covid-19 has been linked to a range of smell and taste disorders, including anosmia (loss of smell), parosmia (distorted sense of smell), hyposmia (reduced sense of smell), ageusia (loss of taste), and dysgeusia (distorted sense of taste). These disorders can be caused by direct viral damage to the olfactory nerve, as well as inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages. In some cases, smell and taste loss may be temporary, while in other cases it may be permanent.
Steps to Regaining Smell and Taste
- Get a Medical Evaluation: If you are experiencing smell and taste loss, it is important to get a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your doctor can also provide advice on how to manage your symptoms and regain your sense of smell and taste.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can worsen symptoms of smell and taste loss, so if you smoke it is important to quit. Quitting smoking can also help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing Covid-19.
- Engage in Smell and Taste Therapy: Smell and taste therapy can help to retrain the brain and improve smell and taste sensations. This can be done through activities such as smelling essential oils, tasting different flavors of food, and engaging in smell and taste games.
- Take Supplements: Certain supplements, such as zinc and vitamin D, can help to improve smell and taste. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Practice Good Hygiene: It is important to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of developing Covid-19. This includes washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, and wearing a face mask when in public.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your sense of smell and taste. This includes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as
With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19,many individuals have experienced changes in their sense of smell and taste. In some cases, these senses are completely lost for weeks or months at a time. For those amongst us who had suffered from taste and smell loss due to COVID-19, the good news is that there are a few methods of regaining our sense of smell and taste.
The first step to regaining your sense of smell and taste is to contact your doctor to discuss whether COVID-19 is the cause of your problems. It is important to receive professional advice and guidance in order to rule out other possible causes such as allergies, sinus infections, and upper-respiratory infections that could be affecting your senses.
The next step to take is to improve your overall physical condition. Eating healthy foods and incorporating exercise in your daily routine helps to promote better bodily functions and can help strengthen your senses. Additionally, try to reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke and other irritants that can aggravate the senses.
Next, attempt to regain your sense of smell and taste by trying different methods known as retraining. This includes activities such as smelling essential oils, eating food with a variety of flavors and fragrances, or thinking about foods that you used to enjoy eating in the past but may now seem unappealing.
Finally, don’t hesitate to try alternative therapies such as acupuncture, which has been known to help with smell and taste restoration. You could also seek out a specialty clinic that uses aromatherapy and chromotherapy, or light therapy to help restore the senses.
In conclusion, while taste and smell loss due to COVID-19 can be disheartening, it is important to focus on regaining your senses by trying a few key methods. Speak to your doctor about possible causes and then incorporate some lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating habits. Try engaging in smell retraining and consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture and aromatherapy to help you to regain your senses of smell and taste.
