Does Loss of Smell Persist for Years After Covid-19?
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Synopsis
A recent study reveals that many individuals may experience lingering loss of smell for years post-Covid-19 infection. This significant finding highlights the need for healthcare providers to include olfactory testing in routine post-Covid evaluations. Discover the implications of this research and potential restoration methods for olfactory function.
Key Takeaways
- Loss of smell can persist for years after Covid-19.
- 80% of participants with changes in olfactory ability scored low on scent tests.
- 23% of these individuals experienced severe impairment.
- Routine smell testing is recommended for post-Covid care.
- Research is ongoing to find effective restoration methods.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) Even if it goes unnoticed, loss of smell can persist for years in some individuals following a Covid-19 infection, according to a recent study.
The research, conducted by experts at the US National Institutes of Health and New York University Langone Health, utilized a thorough 40-odour test to investigate the connection between the coronavirus responsible for Covid and hyposmia, which is the diminished ability to detect odors.
The findings indicated that 80% of participants who experienced a change in their smelling capability after contracting Covid scored poorly on a clinical scent-detection assessment conducted approximately two years later.
Within this group, 23% exhibited severe impairment or had completely lost their sense of smell.
Interestingly, 66% of those infected who did not report any olfactory difficulties also received abnormally low scores on the evaluation, according to the researchers.
“Our research highlights that individuals with a history of Covid-19 may face an increased risk for a diminished sense of smell, an issue that remains largely unrecognized among the broader population,” stated study co-lead author Leora Horwitz, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Horwitz further mentioned that 60% of uninfected participants who did not report any olfactory concerns also performed poorly in the clinical assessment.
This extensive study involving 3,535 men and women, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, stands as the largest to date to investigate the loss of smell post-Covid using a formal testing method.
The results indicate that healthcare professionals should consider incorporating smell tests as a standard procedure in post-Covid evaluations, the team suggested.
Experts are actively researching methods to restore the sense of smell after Covid, including vitamin A supplementation and olfactory training aimed at 'rewiring' the brain's response to scents.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the profound implications of this study. The persistence of olfactory dysfunction post-Covid is an emerging public health concern that warrants attention. Incorporating smell testing into post-Covid care can enhance the quality of life for many survivors. Staying informed and proactive is essential as we navigate the long-term effects of this pandemic.
NationPress
26/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can loss of smell last after Covid-19?
The study indicates that loss of smell may persist for years following a Covid-19 infection.
What percentage of participants showed olfactory impairment?
80% of participants who reported a change in smell ability scored poorly on scent tests two years later.
Should smell testing be part of post-Covid evaluations?
Yes, the study suggests that healthcare providers should routinely test for smell loss in post-Covid assessments.
What methods are being explored to restore the sense of smell?
Experts are looking into vitamin A supplementation and olfactory training as potential restoration methods.
What was the sample size of the study?
The study involved 3,535 men and women, making it the largest investigation into post-Covid smell loss.
