Corticosteroid Treatment Found to Restore Sense of Smell in Covid-19 Patients

Smell Loss Corticosteroid Treatment Found to Restore Sense of Smell in Covid-19 Patients

2024-03-05 Source: Inrae 1 min Reading Time

Covid-19's ability to cause long-term loss of smell in some patients has been linked to a reduction in the nasal mucosa's olfactory neuron population, according to recent research by Inrae and Enva. Their findings reveal that early treatment with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can significantly enhance smell recovery.

Covid-19 has been identified as a trigger for anosmia, or loss of smell, in some individuals. Although this condition is usually short-lived, around 10% of those affected experience it for an extended period of six months or longer.(Source: free licensed / Pixabay) — Covid-19 has been identified as a trigger for anosmia, or loss of smell, in some individuals. Although this condition is usually short-lived, around 10% of those affected experience it for an extended period of six months or longer.
(Source: free licensed / Pixabay)

Covid-19 is known to cause loss of smell in certain patients. While this symptom is generally temporary, approximately 10 % of patients may suffer from it for six months or more. Earlier research carried out by a team of researchers from Inrae and Enva observed that the SARS-CoV-2 infected olfactory mucosa is invaded by immune cells leading to its destruction and prolonged inflammation. Based on these observations, the same team decided to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids — known for their anti-inflammatory properties — in restoring the sense of smell.

Their results support the existence of a direct link between the loss of smell caused by the virus and a decrease in the olfactory neuron population in the nasal mucosa. In addition, they show that early treatment with dexamethasone, a commonly used corticosteroid, improves the recovery of olfactory abilities in animals.

The improvement of the olfactory capacities is associated with a reduction of the immunity cells in the mucosa, and an increased level of regeneration of the olfactory neuron population. These results suggest that the corticosteroid treatments currently used — which have not been very successful in the treatment of prolonged anosmia — could be more effective if prescribed early, at the onset of symptoms of loss of smell.

Original Article: Early corticosteroid treatment enhances recovery from SARS-CoV-2 induced loss of smell in hamster; Brain Behavior and Immunity; DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.020

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