If you're one of the millions of people around the world who have developed taste and smell disorders due to COVID-19, you're probably looking for the fastest way to get your sense of taste and smell back.

Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for COVID-19-related smell and taste disorders - but to wait for the virus to run its course. Very few studies have been conducted on the subject, but the available evidence suggests that in most cases, a COVID patient's smell and taste gradually return to normal within two to four weeks.

What Causes Loss of Smell and Taste Among COVID Patients?

According to US News and World Report - in an article published on the Harvard Health Publishing website - around 86% of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms have reported experiencing a loss of smell and taste.

Head and neck surgery experts aren't sure exactly why temporary anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) occur in COVID patients. One theory is that the virus causes olfactory nerve inflammation, which disrupts the connection between the nerve and the brain. The same theory applies when your nasal passages are blocked due to nasal polyps or even a simple common cold.

When the olfactory system is affected, it's not just your ability to smell that's diminished - it's your sense of taste, too. COVID-19 does not directly affect your taste buds and there is no known damage to the tongue. However, your sense of taste is linked to your ability to smell, so when you can't smell properly, your brain doesn't receive the full range of flavor cues as well. This is why food may taste bland or unappetizing when you have a cold or other upper respiratory infections.

How Can You Cope Up With Loss of Taste and Smell?

Anosmia is an early symptom of COVID-19, so if you experience a sudden and unexplained loss of smell, you must self-isolate and get tested immediately.

After you've been diagnosed, there is not much you can do to speed up the recovery process. You will have to wait for the virus to run its course and for your body to heal itself. In the meantime, here are a few tips that may help you cope with the loss of smell and taste symptoms:

Understand That You Are Not Alone

It can be scary and isolating to lose your sense of smell and taste, but you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are experiencing the same thing. Talk to your friends and family about what you're going through, and connect with others who are in the same boat on online forums and social media groups. It will make you feel less alone and may even help you find practical tips and advice.

Drink Lots of Fluids and Eat Healthy Foods

It's important to stay hydrated when you have any respiratory infection, and this is especially true if you've lost your sense of smell or taste. Drink plenty of water and other fluids, and eat healthy foods that will boost your immune system. It's understandable to have a poor appetite when you can't taste or smell your food, but eating nutritious meals will help your body fight the virus.

Try Different Ways of Preparing Food

If you're struggling to eat because food tastes bland, try different ways of preparing it. Add strong flavors like spices, herbs, and sauces, or try cooking methods that bring out the natural flavor of food, such as grilling or roasting. Using aromatic herbs, in particular, is a form of smell training that can help your brain relearn how to identify smells.

Conduct Smell and Taste Tests

Olfactory training plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of people with smell and taste disorders. By repeatedly exposing yourself to different smells, you can train your brain to identify them again. You can buy special aroma kits for this purpose, or simply use everyday items like coffee beans, lemons, or essential oils. However, if you are experiencing a total loss of smell, you need to be with someone who can identify the smells for you so you can avoid consuming spoiled food and prevent natural gas leak inhalation.

Visit a Loss of Taste and Smell COVID Doctor

If a month has passed and you are still unable to smell or taste properly, it's time to see a doctor specializing in smell and taste disorders. They will be able to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and give you tailored advice on how to address your condition.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Prince Health and Wellness Today

At Prince Health and Wellness, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with smell and taste loss. That's why we are fully committed to helping patients recover their sense of smell and taste through a comprehensive and individualized treatment approach. Our specialized chiropractic treatment for anosmia has helped many patients recover their sense of smell and taste, and we are confident that we can help you too.

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