Role of doxycycline, oral steroids, and nasal steroid in treatment of anosmia due to COVID-19 with the new insights into the doxycycline activity.

Abstract

Background All over the world, severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been the most important public health issue this year; recently this was re-named as corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Olfactory or gustatory dysfunction is often reported as a symptom.Aims Aim of the study is to evaluate the role and effectiveness of Doxycycline, Oral Methyl Prednisolone, and Topical Nasal Steroid (Mometasone) in the treatment of COVID-19 related anosmia/hyposmiaMaterial and Methods Total 64 patients were evaluated randomly who were COVID-19 positive and developed recent onset of anosmia/hyposmia. They were divided into two groups 32 each. First group was treated with Doxycycline, Oral Methyl Prednisolone, and Topical Nasal Steroid (Mometasone). Second group was the control group and was given placebo and Olfactory training.Results Out of 32 patients 27 patients completely recover after only 2 days of the administration of above treatment. Out of the remaining 5 patients 4 had partial resolution of the anosmia after 2 days and near complete resolution after 5-7 days, and 1 patient did not responded at all with the above treatment. Out of the control group 19 patient had near complete recovery after 7 days and rest 13 patient did not recover after 10 days.Conclusion The above study showed a very promising results but many more similar studies are needed following the similar treatment protocol on a larger group of patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction.