I wanted to revisit this disease in order to explain its effects on health and daily life.
I also address the issue of anosmia, with insightful comments from Dr. Georges Dib, ENT doctor at the private hospital in 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 the impaired transmission of information to the olfactory bulb and neurons. According to the results of a research study by the CNRS-INSERM (National Institute of Health and Medical Research), 1 in 10 French people suffers from olfactory disorders.
Anosmia represents an extreme situation, 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 various forms of anosmia, with symptoms of varying intensity.
The multiple causes of anosmia
According to the data available to date, the causes of loss of smell are diverse and varied. Loss of smell occurs in cases of inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa, particularly through allergic rhinitis or a simple cold. Generally, any infectious or inflammatory disease of the sinuses can lead to olfactory disturbance.
Loss of smell can also result from olfactory nerve dysfunction. This nerve can cease to function, particularly in cases of head trauma, stroke, or compression by a tumor. Certain medications can also affect the olfactory nerve.
It should also be noted that the sense of smell declines with age, like all the senses (hearing, sight, etc.).
Taste disturbances, a direct effect of anosmia
The sense of smell is essential for properly discerning the taste of our food. Its loss is very frequently accompanied by a disturbance or loss of taste that scientists call "ageusia" or dysgeusia.
"When we eat, 90% of our perception of taste is due to our sense of smell; this is what we call posterior olfaction." - Dr. Georges Dib
"The tongue only allows us to recognize four types of taste: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. And it is the combination of these four tastes, mixed with our sense of smell, that gives us flavors." - Dr. Georges Dib
Anosmia, one of the main symptoms following infection with mild coronavirus
Nasal polyposis with loss of smell is a classic disorder of many diseases, but it is also one of the main symptoms of the Covid-19 virus for less severe cases.
Two types of coronavirus infection are distinguished based on the duration and severity of symptoms. Depending on the type of infection, the patient will be more or less affected by olfactory disturbances. In the case of an acute infection, which is the least severe form, the patient will tend to be more affected by this olfactory disturbance than a patient with long COVID.
“In the case of acute Covid infection, 80% of patients experienced a disruption of their sense of smell, whether it was complete nasal polyposis or a less severe form. In the case of prolonged Covid infection, the rate of persistent loss of smell is practically 20%.” Dr. Georges Dib
Treatments available to a patient with anosmia
"90% of Covid patients with nasal polyps and loss of smell recover within 1 month" - Dr. Georges Dib
However, a patient may experience very slow recovery of their olfactory system. Nasal rehabilitation is therefore necessary. This rehabilitation involves sensitizing the patient, via their nasal mucosa, to familiar and cataloged odors, starting with the strongest and gradually reducing them.
Two researchers, Professors Hummel and Gurden, demonstrated 10 years ago that stimulating the sense of smell helps regenerate olfactory receptor neurons; it is on the basis of their work that we created:
1, 2, 3 SMELL – Olfactory Re-education Kit, a natural treatment for anosmia
Regain your sense of smell in 12 weeks.
1 smell = 1 day
Everyday scents that are easy to recognize: mint, lemon, coffee, rose, eucalyptus and orange blossom.
All you have to do is feel the touch you want to feel, close your eyes and breathe.
Look at the correspondence between the smell and its number.
The second kit, containing six more subtle scents, allows you to explore the experience further. These scents include coconut, anise, lavender, vanilla, almond, and clove. Use one scent per day for six days, repeating this regimen for a minimum of six weeks, following the same protocol as the 1-SCENT Program.