Anosmia during and after COVID-19

Some people regain odour awareness steadily, while others first notice smells that seem weak, altered, or unpleasant. The smell symptom does not indicate how severe the breathing illness will be, so monitor the whole clinical picture.

COVID-19 can disturb support cells around smell-sensing nerves. As the system repairs, signals may be incomplete or mismatched, making coffee, onions, perfume, or smoke seem different. This distorted phase is called parosmia and can affect appetite even though it may reflect active recovery.

Persistent anosmia can occur alongside fatigue, cough, headache, or feeling generally unwell after infection. A clinician can assess whether the pattern fits ongoing post-viral effects or another cause such as nasal inflammation or medicine effects.

During active illness, follow current UAE public-health instructions and the care plan provided to you. Keep hydrated and choose foods with tolerable textures and temperatures if altered smells cause nausea. Avoid sniffing harsh cleaning products to test whether smell has returned.

Fit and regularly check smoke and gas alarms, read food dates, and have someone else assess suspected leaks or spoilage. For ongoing loss, ask about smell training, which uses repeated, gentle exposure to a small set of familiar odours rather than strong irritants.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, persistent chest pressure, collapse, or new confusion. If you have a home monitoring plan, follow its personalised escalation instructions rather than relying on smell changes.

Arrange clinical review when smell loss remains troublesome after the acute illness, interferes with nutrition, or is accompanied by one-sided nasal blockage or bleeding. Urgent assessment is also needed when sudden anosmia follows a head injury or appears with facial drooping, limb weakness, speech trouble, or an abrupt severe headache.

Record when infection and smell symptoms began, whether odours are absent or distorted, changes in weight or appetite, nasal complaints, and other continuing symptoms. Ask how to start smell training, whether your nose needs examination, and when persistent symptoms should be reassessed.