Finding a method to help restore the sense of smell and taste in post-Covid-19 patients

Surgeons believe a technique known as functional nasal septum surgery can 'kick-start' the recovery of the sense of smell in post-Covid-19 patients.

Researchers say nasal septum surgery could help restore sense of smell in post-Covid-19 patients

The Guardian reported on March 7 that doctors in London have successfully restored the sense of smell and taste to long-term Covid-19 patients, thanks to an advanced surgical method that widens the nasal airways to promote recovery.

Most people diagnosed with Covid-19 make a full recovery, but the disease can lead to serious long-term effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 6 in 100 people with Covid-19 develop post-Covid-19, with millions affected globally.

Loss of smell and taste are among more than 200 different symptoms reported in people with post-Covid-19.

Now, surgeons at University College London Hospital (UCLH) in the UK have cured dozens of patients who suffered severe loss of smell after contracting Covid-19.

All had had this problem for more than 2 years and other treatments, such as olfactory training and corticosteroids, had not been effective.

In a study aimed at finding new ways to address this problem, surgeons tried a technique called functional septal prolapse (fSRP), which is commonly used to correct a deviated nasal septum, increasing the size of the nasal airway.

This increases airflow into the olfactory region, in the roof of the nasal cavity, where smell is controlled. Doctors say the surgery increases the amount of odorants that reach the roof of the nose, where the sense of smell is located.

They believe that increasing the delivery of odorants to this area will "kick-start" the process of olfactory recovery in patients who have lost their sense of smell due to Covid-19.

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In the trial, 12 patients underwent surgery and a control group of 13 patients continued to train their sense of smell by repeatedly smelling the same scent.

All patients who had surgery had an improved sense of smell, while none of the patients in the control group improved. In fact, 40% of the control group said their sense of smell got worse.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tim-ra-phuong-phap-giup-khoi-phuc-khuu-giac-vi-giac-o-benh-nhan-hau-covid-19-185250307113756153.htm