It might seem like the Covid pandemic is slowly becoming a bad memory, but the sad reality is that for some people this is not the case. Many people who contracted Covid-19 have experienced additional, ongoing health conditions. One of the lingering symptoms of Covid that some people have experienced is the loss of smell (and often taste), known as parosmia. This condition can also be experienced as otherwise normal things smelling (and tasting) unpleasant. If you are experiencing parosmia, you’re probably wondering how long it will last, and if you will ever smell and taste normally again.
What Is Parosmia?
Parosmia can be caused by respiratory infections, seizures, brain tumors, and now Covid-19. It is identified as the loss of the sense of smell, or a disruption to the sense of smell that changes how things smell. For example coffee, fruit, or things with vinegar in them can smell like ammonia, egg, or even garbage. It’s generally caused by some of your receptors getting damaged, causing your nose to perceive smell incorrectly.
How Long Will Parosmia Last?
In most cases, parosmia will improve over time, typically anywhere from 2 to 4 months after being diagnosed with Covid-19. Around 65% of people who have experienced it have reported regaining their taste and smell 18 months after infection, with 80 to 90% getting it back within two years.
Is There a Treatment?
It can be very frustrating not to be able to eat things you like because they don’t smell right to you. And unfortunately, there is no known treatment for Covid-19-induced parosmia, but you can try smell training therapy, or nose therapy. Smell training therapy involves smelling strong odors such as cloves, citrus, and eucalyptus every day to help retrain the brain to remember how to smell. In the meantime, you can try eating simple, bland food so that the smells don’t bother you, or just avoid the foods that smell and taste foul to you.
If You Need To See A Doctor…
Having a great health insurance plan is important so you can determine what exactly has caused your parosmia. Speaking to your doctor will allow you to get a better understanding of what to expect, and figure out if there is a more serious underlying issue. When trying to select the right health insurance plan for you and your family, you will come across many different choices. The right one for you will depend on your lifestyle, the doctors you want to see, and any medical equipment you need or medications that you take regularly.
Comparing plans is the best way to find an affordable plan that provides the right level of coverage for you. Before you start doing the work of comparing on your own, come to EZ. We will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes. Our licensed agents work with all the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can go over your budget and needs, and find the best plan for you and your family. We compare plans and offer guidance at no cost to you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.