[Olfactory impairment in patients of the older age group with COVID-19 in the acute period and in the period of convalescence.]

ABSTRACT

Complete or partial loss of sense of smell significantly reduces the quality of life and in some cases is life-threatening. A new coronavirus infection in some cases leads to hypo- or anosmia. The defeat of the olfactory epithelium, swelling of the mucous membrane, the presence of discharge in the nasal cavity complicate the effect of odorants on the neuroepithelium. With COVID-19, anosmia may be the first and leading symptom. The restoration of the sense of smell occurs more often during the first weeks, but in some cases it is persistent. A special group of patients are older patients, older than 60 years. The course of a new coronavirus infection due to concomitant pathology proceeds in a more severe form. We present the experience of olfactory training with a set of essential oils (juniper, turmeric, eucalyptus and rose). Aromatherapy was preceded by irrigation of the nasal cavity with isotonic saline solution. In the absence of a clear clinical effect for 3 weeks, the set of oils was changed to fir oil, rosemary oil, monarda and lavender. The course of treatment continued for an average of 2 months. The technique included physiotherapy (endonasal electrophoresis with 0,25% zinc sulfate solution № 10), zinc preparations, pumpkin seeds 20-30 g per day, B vitamins (B6 and B12).