loss of smell – Lacto Bacto

Millions of us have had a least one COVID infection. Many suffered a loss of smell during the infection. A recent study by NYU Langone researchers found that the loss of smell can linger for at least 2 years after the infection. And even if you thought that your smell was never impacted or that it has recovered, it actually may not have fully recovered, but only partially recovered.

Among the 3525 participants in the study that reported a loss of smell during a COVID infection - 80% still had not fully recovered their sense of smell 2 years later, and for 23% it was severely diminished or lost. Interestingly, 66% of persons who originally had a COVID infection, but did not notice any smelling issues, also scored abnormally low on the evaluation done 2 years after the infection.

It can be said that their sense of smell has dulled (olfactory dysfunction). This reduced ability to smell is called hyposmia. Researchers administer a 40-odor test to persons to determine their smelling ability. To help recover the sense of smell, vitamin A supplementation and olfactory training are being tried.

From Science Daily: Millions could be living with hidden smell loss after COVID without knowing

People who suspect that their sense of smell has been dulled after a bout of COVID-19 are likely correct, a new study using an objective, 40-odor test shows. Even those who do not notice any olfactory issues may be impaired. ...continue reading "Loss of Smell from A COVID Infection Can Linger For At Least Two Years"

How's your sense of smell? Hopefully, it's good. A recent study found that a loss of smell is linked to 139 diseases or medical conditions!

The loss of smell (olfactory dysfunction) appears to be an early sign of all sorts of neurological and bodily diseases. The researchers found that the 139 medical conditions are also associated with inflammation (that olfactory loss and inflammation co-occur).

For example, loss of a sense of smell is an early symptom of both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It can be found in youth long before they exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia. It also precedes depression, major cardiac events, multiple sclerosis, early death, and even memory and neurological impairment.

Interestingly, the study authors point out that there is research showing that pleasant scents can decrease inflammation, and thus possibly improve brain health, including memory. The pleasant scents can be viewed as "therapeutic olfactory stimulation" or "olfactory enrichment". About 20 studies have been done showing that increasing olfactory stimulation (sniffing various scents, including essential oils) can improve memory.

Research done on animals shows that some scents have anti-inflammatory action, for example, eucalyptol, lavender, ginger, carvacrol (found in oregano, thyme, and sage), Shirazi thyme, limonene, and mango. Diet can also have an effect, as well as environmental factors (e.g., smoking, some medications, stress, alcoholism, nasal passage blockages).

From Science Daily: Smell loss linked to 100-plus diseases

Researchers from the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, in collaboration with The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities, reveal a powerful link between olfactory loss and inflammation in a staggering 139 medical conditions. This research -- led by professor emeritus Michael Leon, and researchers Cynthia Woo and Emily Troscianko -- emphasizes a little-known but potentially life-altering connection: the role our sense of smell plays in maintaining our physical and mental health. ...continue reading "Loss of a Sense of Smell and Diseases"