Loss of Sense of Smell After Covid-19

The sense of smell is one of the most important senses known to us. The sense of smell is medically termed olfaction. We understand that the nose knows the smell but it is directly linked with the brain. To recognize the sense of smell is one of the important activities of the brain.

The smell of rose, perfume, freshly cooked food and arms of your favorite food is all possible through your nose and brain. It stimulates your senses and your system when you smell something unique and peculiar. This perception of smell is called olfaction.

COVID has cropped up with all unusual signs and symptoms setting in. Doctors are dealing with peculiar symptoms and trying to address them in the best possible day. One such symptom which we are going to speak about is the weird smell after COVID-19.

Know the connection between COVID and loss of smell

Talking about the symptoms of Covid-19, in addition to fever, cold, and fatigue, loss of smell and taste is considered to be one of the most prominent symptoms. In the first wave of coronavirus too, these symptoms were most visible in the patients.

However, in this second wave of Covid-19, many other symptoms are also seen in the patients. But if you see these symptoms in yourself, then do not panic, get yourself tested and isolate yourself and follow all the necessary rules and basic protocols.

More than a year after the covid 19 pandemic struck the world, there are many things that we are still researching. We are exploring the virus each day and learning about its new variants. Initially, when the corona infected people, it was considered that cold, cough, and fever are the staple symptoms. However, certain peculiar symptoms have come into light which is loss of smell and taste. This symptom is very common in COVID-positive cases.

The real science behind smell and taste

The senses of smell and taste are intertwined. These senses can change with age, causing a person to experience a change or decrease in smell or taste. The senses of smell and taste are a part of the chemistry system of man. The ability to smell the surroundings comes from specialized sensory cells called olfactory sensory neurons.

These are found in a small section of tissue inside the nose. Each of these olfactory neurons contains an odor receptor, which is stimulated by microscopic molecules released by the surrounding substances. Odor reaches the olfactory receptors through two pathways.

The first is through the nostrils and the second through a channel that connects the upper part of the throat to the nose. The aroma of food is felt through this channel. Chemical molecules enter the nose and dissolve in the mucous membrane which is called the olfactory epithelium.

Why is loss of smell and taste prominent in COVID infection?

According to the research that has been done about Coronavirus so far, the reason for the loss of taste is not the mechanism of the tongue, but it is also related to the nose. The smelling power deteriorates after corona infection and it directly affects your taste.

At the time of corona infection, the virus destroys the smell-sensing cells present in the nose. Although these cells regenerate in most cases, the ability to smell does not return or is permanently lost for a long time after recovery from coronavirus infection in many patients.

Do not ignore the symptom of loss of smell this pandemic

Since mid-April, many countries are reporting and recording numbers of new covid infections that are cropping up. It has been reported that death has taken a toll over the world as the pandemic is increasing. Covid has cut short the lives, shattered the economic and social growth, and left a trail of long-term complications.

It is important not to ignore the symptoms of coronavirus even if it's minor. Let us not forget the complications of post-COVID infections which are difficult to deal with.

Realizing the importance of smell this pandemic

Covid pandemic has made us realize the importance of smell this year. Many people have started appreciating the importance of smell. Losing the sense of smell may not be debilitating or distressing as post covid depression but it can be quite frustrating in its way. The sense of smell is the neglected smell in the human sensorium.

Generally, we dismiss these symptoms thinking it is just a minor symptom and does not call for immediate attention. The sense of smell does not tend to tell much about the human mind and how the brain works compared to our visual sense. Our sense of smell and experience radically connects with the cognitive processes of memory, learning, reasoning, and imagination.

Spot it right with a sense of smell this pandemic

Through our senses, we connect with the outside world through emotional and physical sensations. Food and air that we breathe in are very much important for our lives. Our nutrition depends on the food and oxygen we consume. Just imagine, if your olfaction or sense of smell is dimmed. It will be difficult to connect to the outside world.

It is always a chance to closely understand your body with the sense of perception. If this sense of smell is a hit, you need to check the remaining senses of your system. This signals towards COVID symptoms and one must be able to spot it outright.

Dietary advice for weird smell after COVID19

When the senses of taste and smell become weak, all favorite dishes taste alike. Here's some better dietary advice to combat these changes. Some of the foods that can be helpful in the problem of smell and taste are as follows:

• Meat, fresh fruits, coffee, eggs, can be consumed

• Sweet drinks, candy, lemon juice can help

• Consumption of zinc-rich foods is recommended. Meat, fish, nuts, whole grains, and legumes can be used to supply such zinc

• Consuming foods rich in vitamin D can also be beneficial for the smell and taste of the mouth. In such a situation, the consumption of fish, egg yolk, and milk containing vitamin D can prove to be useful.

Do and Don'ts for weird smell after COVID19

• Follow the doctor's instructions.

• Make changes in diet

• Do not smoke

• Avoid overusing nasal decongestants. This can lead to frequent nasal congestion.

• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

• Try steaming.

• Keep your mouth clean.

• Take necessary precautions to avoid infections like cold and flu.

Taste and smell are part of every human life. To correct the imbalance in these senses, you can adopt the remedies mentioned. Along with this, it is also necessary to follow dietary precautions.

Several dietary choices can help in the prevention of this problem by including them in daily life. Complete cure depends on medical consultation only. Therefore, if the home remedies do not make any difference, then contact the doctor without delay.

Can sense of smell return after covid treatment?

Smell returns to normal in a couple of months though for some people anosmia (loss of smell), hyposmia ( reduced smell), or parosmia ( altered smell ) can last longer. This is not just unique for covid, but it can also be due to viral infections. In any respiratory tract infection, the mucosa of the nasal cavity may lose perception.

It is important to know that when inflammation sets in due to respiratory tract infection, the sensory cell receptors of the olfactory nerve are unable to carry messages to the brain, and smell is not perceived. In such cases, the sense of smell may come back to normalcy once the respiratory tract infection is cured.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from loss of smell or is experiencing any weird smells, call us today at (469) 545-9983 to consult our experts.