Olfactory Issues After COVID-19: When to Seek Help

Olfactory issues

About three days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I started experiencing severe nasal congestion and difficulty breathing.
I initially thought that the nasal congestion was the reason I couldn't smell or taste anything.
I could distinguish between sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavors when eating, but I realized I couldn't detect the aroma of the food.
When I closed my eyes while eating, I could only identify the taste as sweet, salty, bitter, or spicy, but I couldn't perceive any aroma.
It wasn't until the 11th day of recovery that I noticed some improvement in my nasal congestion, but my sense of smell did not improve.
I can smell scents when I put something close to my nose, but I can't detect any odors in my usual environment.
I can smell perfume when I bring it close, but once it's sprayed, I can't smell it anymore.
The same goes for body wash and shampoo; I can only smell them when I put them close to my nose.
After washing and drying my hair, I need to put my nose close to smell it.
Previously, I could smell my own hair fragrance, but now I have to get close to detect it.
The most concerning issue is that I can't perceive any odors in my mouth.
I can't tell if my teeth are clean after brushing or if there is any bad breath.
I would like to ask the doctor if my situation is considered severe and if there is any way to recover.
If I need to see a doctor, are there any recommended clinics in Taoyuan or Kaohsiung that specialize in this type of condition? I am very worried that my sense of smell may never fully recover, and it has been a month and a half without improvement.

Xiao Qi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/13

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello! Due to the olfactory abnormalities caused by COVID-19, a small number of individuals may experience a slower recovery.
If you have not yet recovered, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist for evaluation.

Reply Date: 2022/06/13

More Info

Experiencing olfactory issues after a COVID-19 infection is a common concern, and it can significantly impact your quality of life. Your symptoms, such as the inability to smell everyday scents and the need to be very close to objects to detect their odors, indicate a condition known as olfactory dysfunction. This can occur after viral infections, including COVID-19, and may persist for weeks or even months after recovery from the acute phase of the illness.

Understanding Olfactory Dysfunction Post-COVID-19
1. Nature of Olfactory Dysfunction: After a COVID-19 infection, many individuals report a loss of smell (anosmia) or a reduced ability to smell (hyposmia). This can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, which you mentioned experiencing. The olfactory system can be affected by inflammation, damage to olfactory neurons, or changes in the mucosal lining of the nasal passages.

2. Duration and Recovery: While some people recover their sense of smell within a few weeks, others may take longer. The fact that you are still experiencing these symptoms a month and a half after your initial recovery is not uncommon. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of COVID-19 survivors report persistent olfactory issues, and recovery can vary widely among individuals.

3. When to Seek Help: If your olfactory dysfunction is affecting your daily life, such as your ability to enjoy food or maintain oral hygiene, it is advisable to seek medical attention. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist can provide a thorough evaluation. They may conduct tests to assess your olfactory function and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

4. Treatment Options: There are several approaches to managing olfactory dysfunction:
- Olfactory Training: This involves regularly smelling strong scents (like essential oils) to help retrain your sense of smell. This method has shown promise in aiding recovery for some individuals.

- Medications: In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, although this should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

- Supportive Care: Maintaining good nasal hygiene and managing any underlying nasal congestion can also be beneficial.

5. Finding a Specialist: In Taiwan, you can look for ENT specialists or clinics that focus on olfactory disorders. Major hospitals in cities like Taoyuan and Kaohsiung often have departments dedicated to ENT issues. You may also inquire about specialized clinics that deal with post-viral syndromes or olfactory dysfunction.

Conclusion
Your concerns about the severity of your condition and the potential for recovery are valid. While it can be distressing to experience these symptoms, many individuals do see improvement over time. It is essential to remain proactive about your health. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and many are navigating similar challenges post-COVID-19.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Odor Issues: When to Seek ENT Care After COVID-19

Hello, I have been experiencing an unusual odor in my nasal cavity for the past few days (somewhat similar to grains), which becomes more pronounced when I eat. Two months ago, I had a brief cold, and after recovering, I experienced a similar situation (though the odor at that ti...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to have an evaluation by an otolaryngologist to determine whether it is sinusitis or chronic rhinitis. Wishing you good health.

Post-COVID Symptoms: Understanding Persistent Neurological Issues

Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the end of July, during which I experienced a loss of taste and smell, but they returned to normal after some time. One night during my COVID-19 illness, I woke up feeling something was off with my body. My left hand and foot felt n...

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello, Aurora: First, consult a neurologist to check for any nerve compression causing numbness. If there are no issues, then see a psychiatrist to evaluate for autonomic nervous system dysfunction (panic disorder).

Understanding Olfactory Issues: When Allergies Affect Your Sense of Smell

If you have a history of allergies and have recently noticed that you can hardly smell anything from your left nostril and only a little from your right, it is advisable to undergo a thorough evaluation. You should consider the following steps for related examinations: 1. Cons...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
It is recommended to undergo a physical examination or endoscopy at a medical facility. Please note that one of the symptoms of COVID-19 is olfactory dysfunction. If there is a history of travel or contact, it is advisable to go to the emergency department. Wishing you good healt...

Understanding Breathing Difficulties: Anxiety or Underlying Health Issues?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about something. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic became severe in Taiwan, I have been experiencing feelings I have never felt before, whether it's psychological or due to actually contracting the virus. Recently, I have been paying close at...

Dr. Zhang Youzheng reply Pulmonology
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that you are indeed quite anxious. I recommend that you take some time to relax. You can monitor your temperature daily to check for any signs of infection. However, if you continue to have symptoms and feel uneasy, you can visit a pulmo...