A large world population is affected by the corona epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Millions of people battling COVID-19 have reported losing their sense of smell and taste. The problem of temporary loss of smell or smell often resolves over time. But that didn’t happen with all people. A meta-analysis of 18 studies on this shows that around 5.6% of people who lost their sense of smell after Covid-19 still cannot smell or taste properly after six months. But the good news for these people is that smell training can prove beneficial for them. Tell us what is smell training to restore smell and how it is taken.
Understand how your nose recognizes smell
Like cells that provide the ability to see and hear, cells that detect smell are also capable of self-renewal. Nasal stem cells continuously release new olfactory receptor cells to detect smells. Olfactory sensory neurons are covered with molecular networks that detect specific odorant molecules in the nose. The brain receives signals when these cells are turned on.
Viruses infect permanent cells
It is not yet clear by what mechanism the sense of smell is inhibited. However, new evidence suggests that viruses infect and destroy permanent cells in the nose.
Olfactory neurons are kept healthy by supplying these cells with glucose and regulating salt balance. Olfactory epithelium is present in the lines of the nasal cavity. If attacked by a virus, it swells in response.
Learn how smell training can restore the ability to smell
Smell training is one of the few treatments that have become available so far. If you look at it, you will find that it is nothing more than a simple exercise. It smells like four different scents (often rose, eucalyptus, lemon and clove).
That’s all it takes to focus your attention for thirty seconds twice a day for a month.
According to the research, 40 people with smell problems participated in the training. The average sense of smell was enhanced in the training participants compared to 16 people who did not participate in the training.
Most studies done on this method have shown that this technique is effective for 30 to 60 percent of individuals. There are no side effects either. However, self-discipline and patience are very important to perform the exercise correctly. It is effective only if you try it continuously for 1 month. If left after only 14 days, it will not take effect.
It increases the number of smell sensory neurons
It is not yet known how this method works on a person. But it is useful. It is possible that it stimulates the creation of replacement cells. It can strengthen certain circuits in the brain. It has also been found that such training can increase the number of olfactory sensory neurons in other species.
