What does loss of smell feel like with Long COVID?

You may notice no smell at all, a partial return of some odours, or parosmia, where ordinary smells seem different or unpleasant. Food, toothpaste, coffee, or cleaning products can become difficult to tolerate, affecting appetite and routine. Loss of Smell is a very common presentation of Long COVID. The pattern varies, and a continuing smell change should be assessed in its full context rather than assumed to have one cause.

Keep a brief record of smell changes, foods you can tolerate, and associated symptoms such as fatigue or breathlessness. Choose nourishing foods with textures and temperatures that remain appealing, and ventilate when odours trigger nausea. Check smoke and gas alarms, label leftovers with dates, and ask another person to assess food odours when possible. A clinician may discuss smell training using a consistent set of non-irritating scents.

Arrange a review if smell problems persist, become more distressing, lead to poor intake, or are accompanied by new nasal blockage or facial pain. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, new weakness, or difficulty speaking.

Ask whether smell training is appropriate, how to protect nutrition and safety, and whether another nose or sinus problem needs evaluation. Explain which smells are distorted, whether taste has changed, how symptoms affect meals, and any medicines or supplements you take.