On this World Anosmia Day, scientists want to highlight the results of their research. Before Covid-19, this disorder, little known to scientists, affected a few people who had had an accident or suffered from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzeihmer.
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The Covid has changed everything compared to anosmia. The loss of smell being one of the main symptoms of the disease. Studies have multiplied to understand these dysfunctions which can be very disabling. For some patients, it can take a long time. The olfactory bulb (the region of the brain that picks up smells) is inflamed.
>> Covid-19: for some former patients, the loss of smell or taste persists months after infection
Once the inflammation is over normally, the sensations return. This is the case after 15 days or a month for more than 90% of patients. But it’s true, in some patients, this anosmia can last. According to the latest study on the subject, 5% of patients report having an absence of smell more than six months after their infection. Others suffer more from parosmia. That is to say, they mix odors. For example, they smell of chocolate instead of coffee.
PRP
Unfortunately there is no treatment. But some therapeutic trials seem to be bearing fruit. This is the case of those carried out in Belgium by a French researcher, Professor Lechien. He is also a doctor at the Foch Hospital in Paris and he recently announced good results with what is called PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma.
This technique is often used by athletes to treat tendonitis or joint problems. This involves re-injecting patients with their own blood which has been centrifuged. This makes it possible to have a blood plasma rich in growth factor. A technique capable of regenerating tissues. It obviously worked for the majority of patients with anosmia. But we are still at the testing stage. In the meantime, patients can also count on olfactory rehabilitation by stimulating their nose daily. It’s tedious but it works.
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