Long‐term smell loss experiences after COVID‐19: A qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesSudden smell loss is one of the early symptoms of COVID‐19. Although it is stated that the loss of smell and taste following COVID‐19 improves within a few weeks, there are also cases that do not improve for a long time. The aim of this study is to reveal long‐term smell loss experiences after COVID‐19.MethodsA qualitative approach was adopted. We conducted semistructured interviews with 11 participants who had smell loss for at least 3 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and evaluated using a thematic analysis for qualitative data.ResultsNutrition and appetite, personal hygiene, threats to safety and emotional changes were the main themes created by the authors and were the areas where participant expressions focused. The participants used oral/nasal corticosteroid therapy for smell loss and received short‐term olfactory training, but could not find a solution.ConclusionsLong‐term smell loss problems, which were neglected during the pandemic period, should be carefully evaluated due to their negative effects. Understanding and focusing on the negative effects of loss of smell may contribute to the solution of long‐term smell loss problems.Patient and Public ContributionEleven participants who experienced long‐term loss of smell following COVID‐19 contributed to the study. They enriched the study by describing the effects of their experiences. There was no other participation or contribution from the public to the research.

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“…Furthermore, taste, smell, and nutrition are closely related to one another. Consequently, deficiencies in these senses have a major impact on the effectiveness of nutrition (Alkanat & Arslan, 2024). The results of this research are in line with the results of Stevenson et al (2020) concerning patients' appetites not changing due to their smell loss.…”