I wanted to revisit this illness to explain its effects on health and daily life.
I also address the issue of anosmia, with insightful comments from Dr. Georges Dib, ENT specialist at the private hospital of Eure-et-Loir (France) – ELSAN.

The Definition of Anosmia

Anosmia – the main symptom of nasal polyposis – is simply the loss of the sense of smell, the destruction of cells, and poor transmission of information to the olfactory bulb and neurons. According to the results of a research study by CNRS-INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research), 1 in 10 French people suffer from olfactory disorders.

Anosmia ultimately represents an extreme condition where the nose no longer perceives odors.

In the case of the Covid-19 virus (or SARS-CoV-2), nasal function reacts differently depending on the patient. Indeed, the patient may experience different forms of anosmia, with symptoms of varying intensity.

The Multiple Causes of Anosmia

According to data available to date, the causes of loss of smell are diverse. Loss of smell occurs in cases of inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa, notably through allergic rhinitis or a simple cold. Overall, any infectious or inflammatory disease of the sinuses can cause olfactory disturbance.

It is also possible to lose the sense of smell due to dysfunction of the olfactory nerve. This nerve can stop functioning especially in cases of head trauma, stroke, or compression by a tumor. The use of certain medications can also affect the olfactory nerve.

It should also be noted that the sense of smell decreases with age, like all senses (hearing, sight, etc.).

Taste disorders, direct effects of anosmia

The sense of smell is essential for properly discerning the taste of our food. Its loss is very often accompanied by a disturbance or loss of taste, which scientists call “ageusia” or dysgeusia.

“When we eat, 90% of the taste is due to smell; this is called retronasal olfaction.” Dr. Georges Dib

“The tongue can only recognize 4 types of taste: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. It is the combination of these 4 taste elements, mixed with smell, that gives us flavors.” Dr. Georges Dib

Anosmia, One of the Main Symptoms After Mild Coronavirus Infection

Nasal polyposis with loss of smell is a common disorder in many diseases, but it is also one of the main symptoms of the Covid-19 virus in less severe cases.

There are two types of coronavirus infection depending on the duration and intensity of symptoms. Depending on the type of infection, the patient will be more or less affected by olfactory disorders. In the case of an acute infection, meaning the less severe infection, the patient tends to be more affected by this olfactory disorder than a patient with long Covid infection.

“In the case of acute Covid infection, 80% of patients experienced olfactory disturbance, whether complete nasal polyposis or a milder form. In the case of long Covid infection, about 20% have persistent loss of smell.” Dr. Georges Dib

Treatments Available for Patients with Anosmia

“90% of Covid patients with nasal polyposis and loss of smell recover within 1 month.” Dr. Georges Dib

However, some patients may have very slow recovery of their olfactory system. Nose rehabilitation is therefore necessary. Rehabilitation involves sensitizing the patient’s nasal mucosa with known and cataloged odors, starting with the strongest and then gradually reducing intensity.

Two researchers, Professors Hummel and Gurden, demonstrated 10 years ago that stimulating the sense of smell helps regenerate the neurons of the olfactory receptors. Based on their work, we created:

1,2,3 SMELL – Olfactory Rehabilitation Kit, a Natural Treatment for Anosmia

Regain your sense of smell in 12 weeks.

Program 1-SMELL:

1 scent = 1 day

Everyday scents that are easy to recognize: mint, lemon, coffee, rose, eucalyptus, and orange blossom.

Simply smell the scent strip, close your eyes, and breathe.

Look at the correspondence between the scent and its number.

Program 2-DEEPEN:

The second kit of 6 other, more subtle scents allows you to go further. Coconut scent, anise scent, lavender scent, vanilla scent, almond scent, clove scent. 1 scent per day for 6 days, to be repeated for at least 6 weeks, following the same protocol as Program 1-SMELL.