Clinical Trial to Assess Efficacy of Fluticasone Nasal Spray and Smell Retraining Therapy on Post COVID-19 Anosmia in Suez Canal University Hospital | ||||
| Suez Canal University Medical Journal | ||||
| Article 3, Volume 27, Issue 5, May 2024, Page 20-29 PDF (395.05 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/scumj.2024.385505 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Samar A. Khedr  ; Mohammed El-Tabakh; Mahmoud M. Soliman; Yehia M. Ashry
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| Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Most COVID-19 patients experience loss of smell, a symptom considered a hallmark of the disease. Olfactory training improves olfactory function through frequent sniffing of strong odors. Although oral corticosteroids can sometimes enhance olfactory function, their effects are frequently transient and dissipate when the medication is stopped. Intranasal steroids, however, have been associated with long-term improvement. Aim: To assess the efficacy of Fluticasone nasal spray and smell retraining therapy on post-COVID-19 anosmia. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial carried out in Suez Canal University Hospital at the ENT department from February 2022 to July 2022. Patients used Fluticasone nasal spray once daily,2 puffs per nostril (200mcg) for 3 months. Smell retraining therapy involved repeat sniffing of a set of odorants (commonly lemon, rose, cloves, and eucalyptus) for 20 seconds each at least twice a day for 3 months. Patients were tested 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months from the start of treatment, and they were offered a yes or no questionnaire if they could identify various smells. History and examination were carried out in person using the questionnaire. Results: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between age and olfactory improvement. There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of chronic disease and olfactory improvement. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the duration of smell loss and the start of improvement. Conclusion: Olfactory training and fluticasone nasal spray are effective for treating post-COVID-19 anosmia. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Anosmia; Olfactory Training; Steroids; Odorants | ||||
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