This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.Ĭhildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others.
Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 At CHOP’s Sinus Clinic, these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes.
While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.Īnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.
For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia.
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