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Long‐term olfactory loss post‐COVID‐19: Pathobiology and potential therapeutic strategies
- Source :
- World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vol 10, Iss 2, Pp 148-155 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- Wiley, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Abstract An acute loss of smell emerged as a striking symptom present in roughly half of the people infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus in the early phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic. In most COVID‐19 patients, olfaction recovers over the course of a few weeks. However, a lasting partial or complete loss of smell, often associated with distorted olfactory perceptions termed parosmia, has emerged as a widespread problem impacting at least 5%–10% of those who experience anosmia due to COVID‐19. Our inability to offer effective therapies to this hyposmic or anosmic population, comprising millions of patients, highlights an enormous unmet need for the medical system. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the pathobiology causing acute olfactory loss due to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, focusing on how the virus interacts with the peripheral olfactory system, a major site of viral infection. We also explore the problem of long‐COVID olfactory dysfunction, which may accompany other persistent systemic disorders collectively termed postacute sequelae of COVID‐19. Specifically, we discuss an emerging model focused on unresolved immune cell activity driving ongoing dysfunction. Finally, we review current and future therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring olfactory function.
- Subjects :
- hyposmia
inflammation
long‐COVID
parosmia
Otorhinolaryngology
RF1-547
Surgery
RD1-811
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 25891081 and 20958811
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.4f5af28601364d88a3fe197d282cb067
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/wjo2.165