Recovering Your Sense of Smell and Taste
posted: Feb. 02, 2022.
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One of the telltale signs of Covid-19 has been a loss of smell and taste; unfortunately, some people are reporting that this symptom lingers for weeks or even months after recovering. So, is there something you can do to get your smell and taste back? Is it necessary to see an ENT for follow-up care if this problem doesn’t go away?
Retrain Your Nose
Yes, there is such a thing as olfactory training (aka smell training) and you can do it yourself from the comfort of your own home. Of course, if you have any questions you should contact your ENT doctor. During smell training, grab four strong essential oil scents such as mint, vanilla, citrus, and eucalyptus. You can also use ground coffee if you’d like. Sniff each scent for 20 seconds, and repeat this training at least three times a day. For best results, do this as soon as possible after losing your sense of smell and taste. The sooner you start, the better!
Preventing Olfactory Dysfunction
While retraining the senses is possible after Covid-19, the best way to prevent this from happening in the first place is to get vaccinated against Covid-19. If you do experience these symptoms, the next best thing is to immediately start olfactory training. If you aren’t sure how to do it or you’re not sure if you’re doing it effectively, speak with your doctor or ENT specialist.
When to See an ENT Doctor
Anyone who is experiencing olfactory dysfunction due to Covid-19 may feel that this symptom is impacting their wellbeing, social life, and quality of life. If you find that this is happening to you, you may wish to speak to a specialist who can provide you with some advice and tips for how to get your taste and smell back.
It’s important to note that most people who’ve had this symptom have fully recovered their smell and taste, but it can take months; however, early treatment may be key to recovering your tastebuds again quickly. So, seek treatment as soon as possible.
If you have questions or concerns about loss of taste or smell after recovering from Covid-19, don’t hesitate to speak with an ENT specialist who can provide you with answers and information to help you get your health back on track.