Long COVID with Olfactory Dysfunction: Evidence-Based Management
Olfactory dysfunction — reduced or distorted sense of smell — is a recognised persistent symptom of long COVID. This page outlines the clinical situation and points to the structured management protocol.
Clinical Scenario
This protocol addresses patients with long COVID who have ongoing olfactory dysfunction. Persistent smell impairment following COVID-19 infection can significantly affect quality of life and warrants targeted intervention.
Recommended Approach
The evidence-based approach for this scenario centres on a structured
olfactory training programme — a specific, repeatable sensory exercise regimen. The complete protocol defines the scents used, the procedure, and how progress should be recorded.
Full regimen details, sequencing, and clinical guidance are in the protocol below.
References
DOI: 10.3947/ic.2024.0024
For patients with long COVID, olfactory training is recommended to improve olfactory dysfunction (A, I).
Traditional olfactory training involves sniffing four distinct scents—rose, eucalyptus, clove, and lemon—for 20 – 30 seconds each and recording the experience.
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