The loss of smell, known as anosmia, or a distorted sense of smell, called parosmia, emerged as a common and often distressing symptom of COVID-19. This sensory disruption significantly affects daily life, impacting the enjoyment of food and the ability to detect important environmental cues. While many individuals recover their sense of smell, the duration and nature of this recovery can vary considerably, leading to ongoing concerns for those affected.
Common Recovery Timelines
For many individuals, recovery from COVID-19-related smell loss occurs relatively quickly, often within weeks to a few months. Studies indicate that 80% to 90% of those with COVID-19-related anosmia regain their sense of smell within weeks, with significant improvement often seen within the first two months. Recovery rates rise to 86% by four months and 96% by 12 months.
The return of smell is often a gradual process rather than a sudden restoration. Individuals might first experience hyposmia, a reduced sense of smell, before a full recovery. This means that while some scents may be detectable, others might remain faint or entirely absent during the recovery phase. In some cases, a distorted sense of smell, or parosmia, might appear two to three months after the initial infection, often signaling that the sense of smell is beginning to return, albeit with unpleasant distortions.
What Influences Recovery Duration?
Several factors can influence how long it takes for an individual’s sense of smell to recover after a COVID-19 infection. The severity of the initial infection can play a role, with more severe olfactory loss in the acute phase potentially indicating a longer recovery period. Younger age has been associated with a greater likelihood of recovering smell.
Individual biological differences are also thought to contribute to the variability in recovery times. Some studies suggest that female individuals may have a decreased likelihood of reporting a full recovery of smell compared to male individuals. The specific variant of the virus may also influence the occurrence and duration of smell loss; earlier variants were more frequently associated with smell and taste loss, with fewer reports linked to newer strains like Omicron. Additionally, the presence of other medical conditions or factors like e-cigarette use can also impact recovery.
While complete smell loss (anosmia) might resolve, distorted smell (parosmia) can sometimes emerge during the recovery period as olfactory nerves regenerate. This distorted smell, where pleasant odors may become foul, can be a temporary phase, but it indicates that the olfactory neurons are beginning to heal.
Supporting Your Smell Recovery
For individuals experiencing persistent smell loss, proactive strategies like smell training, also known as olfactory training, can be beneficial. This involves regularly sniffing specific scents to help retrain the brain to interpret olfactory signals. Typically, smell training uses four distinct scents, often essential oils such as rose, eucalyptus, lemon, and clove.
The training protocol usually involves smelling each chosen scent for about 10 to 20 seconds, twice a day, with a short break between each scent. While patience is important, some protocols suggest switching to new sets of scents every few months to continue stimulating the olfactory system. This consistent exposure aims to help rebuild the connections between the nose and the brain.
It is helpful to consult a healthcare professional if smell loss persists beyond a certain duration, typically after two months, or if it significantly impacts quality of life. While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for smell loss, a doctor can assess the situation and recommend appropriate steps. Seeking early evaluation can be advantageous, as there may be a window where the potential for recovery or regeneration of smell function is higher.