LOSING THE SENSE OF SMELL – AND GETTING IT BACK
Like millions of other people, Laura Atkins caught Covid last year. She recovered quickly, but one problem remained: her sense of smell disappeared. This also prevented her from tasting most foods. The inability to smell, which is called anosmia, sometimes develops when a person has Covid. Usually, the sense of smell returns within a few weeks after recovery. But studies show that anosmia can last for six months or more.(lines 1–5)
Anosmia can have a negative effect on our health. For example, when we can't enjoy food we lose our appetite, and that can result in serious medical problems. We also need our sense of smell to make us aware of various dangers, such as smoke from a fire or rotten food. In addition, some people use their senses of smell and taste at work. Atkins herself is a chef at a restaurant. "Of course, to do my job I have to recognize the smell and taste of the food I'm preparing," she says.(lines 6–10)
Anosmia is not new to doctors. Some patients develop this condition when they have a cold or the flu. "In the past, there was almost no research on the problem because it went away as soon as people got well again," says Dr. Anna Greensmith. "But now with Covid, it does not go away so fast. So scientists have begun investigating how Covid causes anosmia. And they are also trying to help people get their sense of smell back."(lines 11–15)
At the moment, the best treatment for anosmia is smell training. Patients need to choose four familiar, strong smells and to sniff them twice every day. They also have to imagine situations in which they have experienced these smells. For example, if they choose the smell of a shampoo, they can imagine themselves washing their hair. "This helps the brain recall the smells, and that's an important part of the training," explains Greensmith.(lines 16–20)
People doing smell training must be very patient because the sense of smell returns very slowly. Atkins, who is getting this treatment, is pleased with her progress. "It's taking a long time," she says, "but I've finally recovered enough to go back to work at the restaurant."(lines 21–23)