But as much as she tried, Wimsatt could smell nothing.
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That was one of my first clues, Wimsatt recalls.
She had just returned home after quarantining with a family member who had contracted COVID-19.
The only thing I can really smell are bad smellsthe cat box, putrid odors outside.
I really dont get good aromas.
The things that I used to love to smell, I cant stand the smell of now.
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Some dayseverything tastes like flour.
I would not be able to detect that nowwhich really bothers me.
I used to have phenomenal smell.
Many also experience parosmia, which is distorted smell.
Although COVID has made these more common issues, other viruses and even head trauma can also cause them.
And some people are born without ever being able to smell.
Not being able to taste food can lead to poor appetite or overeating.
Many people whove lost their sense of smell also report feeling depressed and uneasy.
Traditionally there have been few treatment options.
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However, smell training is perhaps the most effective option based on existing data.
And soon, there might be a few more promising treatments for loss of smell and taste.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Sometimes they are in tears because it is really miserable not being able to smell.
Sometimes [patients] are in tears because it is really miserable not being able to smell.
For the treatments, blood is drawn from the patient and the platelets containing growth factors are isolated.
The platelets are then placed on a small sponge which is inserted in the nose.
What youre trying to do is regenerate more of the olfactory neurons.
Youre trying to tell the body that there has been some damage, and its time to repair it.
And based on a commonly used scratch smell test, about 60 percent have reported some level of improvement.
After years of experiments in the lab, Drs.
So whats the status of treatments for loss of smell and taste?
Until then, they have had to make several adjustments to their lives.
For example, Wimsatt now makes sure to have extra smoke detectors installed.
Damato asks her neighbors to do walk-throughs of her home from time to time to detect any gas leaks.
If we go out to dinner Ill ask my husband.
Does this taste good?
and he says, This tastes really good.
I kind of use his [judgment] to test out my sense of whats okay.
Damato has joined a support group, and continues to take omega-3 vitamins and practice aroma therapy.
Both remain hopeful that maybe someday their smell will be completely restored.
I dont know if Ill get it back, Wimsatt says.
But I hope I do.
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