New data have revealed that a medication initially developed to treat COVID-19 may also help speed up the recovery process of two common symptoms associated with the disease – loss of taste and smell. Researchers are optimistic about the potential of this investigational drug, known as ensitrelvir, to manage some of the unpredictability of COVID-19.
Ensitrelvir is an experimental medication that has received emergency approval in Japan in November 2022 for use against COVID-19. However, it has not yet been approved for use outside of the country. Takeki Uehara, senior vice president of drug development and regulatory science at Shionogi, expresses hope that this could change in the future.
The study found that over 72% of patients completely recovered their sense of smell following COVID-19 infection, while about one in four people experienced only partial recovery. A small percentage (approximately 4%) reported no improvement in their sense of smell. Similar results were observed for taste function recovery, with most patients (around 77%) regaining their sense of taste, while one in five individuals experienced only partial recovery. Less than 3% reported no recovery at all.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Health, an organization backed by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, recommends patients perform a specific exercise to aid in the recovery of their sense of smell. This involves sniffing individual scents for 10-20 seconds at least once or twice daily. The four most effective scents are rose, lemon, cloves, and eucalyptus. To stimulate memories associated with each scent, patients should focus entirely on the task before taking a few deep breaths and moving on to the next fragrance. This exercise should be performed for at least three months.