Loss of smell and taste was one of the most distinctive symptoms of COVID-19. While many recovered their senses within weeks, for some long COVID sufferers—those experiencing symptoms for more than three months—this impairment has persisted for years despite various treatments.
Previous research from the University of Oxford found that around 3% to 5% of COVID-19 patients develop long COVID. Now, experts at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) have successfully used a nasal surgery technique to restore the sense of smell in patients who had suffered severe olfactory loss after COVID-19.
Understanding Long COVID and Smell Disorders
The sense of smell plays a crucial role in taste, memory, and overall quality of life. Long COVID-related olfactory dysfunction can persist for months or even years after initial infection, affecting daily activities like eating and detecting hazards such as smoke or gas leaks. Traditional treatments, including olfactory training (smell therapy) and steroid nasal sprays, have shown mixed results, leading researchers to explore surgical options.
How Nasal Surgery Helps
Emerging evidence suggests that surgical interventions, such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and septoplasty, may restore airflow and improve olfactory nerve function. These procedures clear nasal obstructions, reduce inflammation, and create a more favorable environment for nerve regeneration. By improving nasal airflow and reducing congestion, surgery may help deliver odor molecules more effectively to the olfactory receptors, triggering a return of smell sensation.
Success Stories and Ongoing Research
While nasal surgery is not a guaranteed cure, some Long COVID patients have reported significant improvements in their sense of smell after undergoing procedures to correct nasal blockages or inflammation. Researchers continue to study the long-term effects of such interventions, aiming to determine which patients may benefit the most.
The findings, published in the journal Facial Plastic Surgery, highlight a promising treatment for those suffering from persistent smell loss due to long COVID. While more research is needed to determine the long-term effects, this surgical approach provides hope for patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
For those struggling with long-term olfactory impairment, consulting with an ENT specialist may be the first step toward recovery.
