Eating simpler or bland meals: The more complex the aroma, the more likely it seems to trigger parosmia.Lifestyle modifications can help improve a patient's quality of life, such as:.Due to side effects, they are mostly used in patients with severe symptoms. These medications, such as gabapentin and amitriptyline, are also used to control chronic pain or headaches. Limited research has shown some improvements in olfactory dysfunction. Neuromodulating medications alter the way nerve cells send signals.High-volume saline irrigations or sinus rinses (Neilmed, Netipot, Navage) help improve inflammation in the nose after an infection and may improve recovery after infection.Studies have shown that these therapies can improve sense of smell in about 10-25 percent of patients. Intranasal steroids (fluticasone or mometasone) are low-risk nasal spray therapies.It often takes about 6 to 12 weeks to notice an impact and up to 24 weeks for maximal impact. Research has shown it can improve parosmia in long COVID patients. It involves smelling strong scents (citrus, cloves, eucalyptus) every day while thinking about what they smell like to try to help reform normal responses to your nose and brain.
However, some therapies may help some patients. There are no guaranteed treatments for post-COVID-19 parosmia.