Olfactory Training in the Treatment of COVID-19–Related Olfactory Disorders

Background. Loss of smell can impair quality of life. Olfactory disorders (ODs) are often caused by viral infections, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of olfactory training in patients with post-COVID OD. Materials and methods. The entire group consisted of 75 subjects (15 men and 60 women). They were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in both groups received pharmacological treatment (intranasal corticosteroids and vitamin A), salt irrigations, and elements of speech therapy olfactory training (SOT). Participants in the study group additionally carried out classical olfactory training (OT) using applicators with 4 scents twice a day. Olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin Sticks' Test (SST). Results. For total SST score, the mean change before and after intervention in the study group was 7.9 points (p < 0.001). In the control group, the mean change was 2.8 points (p = 0.006). Conclusions. Classical OT appears to improve the recovery from post-COVID OD compared to pharmacological therapy with SOT elements alone. The use of intranasal corticosteroids, topical vitamin A, and saline nasal irrigation in our therapy seemed to help in improving olfaction. It is thought that the multidisciplinary team used here – doctor, speech therapist, and psychologist – may have also contributed to the effectiveness of the therapy.