Anosmia, or loss of smell, often occurs when the sinuses become swollen and inflamed. This is typically the result of colds, flu, allergies, sinusitis, and nonallergic rhinitis. Additionally, nasal obstructions such as polyps and tumors block airflow through the nose.
How Is Anosmia Treated?
Treatment for loss of smell depends on the underlying cause. Our otolaryngologist and his team will work with you to determine the cause of your symptoms and the best treatment for your individual needs.
- If a cold or allergies are the culprit, use of over-the-counter treatments such as antihistamines or allowing your symptoms to resolve on their own will likely be recommended.
- If a nasal polyp is blocking your nose, surgery or injectable medications in a class known as biologics may be recommended.
- For bacterial infections, antibiotics and oral or topical steroids can be prescribed.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a treatment option for patients with persistent loss of smell. PRP uses a patient’s own blood products. During the process, a small amount of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate growth factors. Those concentrated growth factors are then injected into the upper nose, near the area where the smell nerves come from the brain.
The goal of PRP therapy is to help support the recovery of damaged olfactory nerves. The growth factors and high concentration of platelets in the plasma are thought to help stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation and aid recovery in cases of persistent smell loss. As a result, it is recommended that this process be repeated over 3 visits spread out by a period of 2 weeks between treatments.
PRP may be an option for patients with long-standing post-viral smell loss, including after COVID-19, or smell loss related to head trauma. It may also be considered in some cases when other treatments, such as oral steroids, nasal steroid sprays or rinses and smell retraining have not helped.
If you think you may be a candidate for PRP therapy, the next step is to speak with our staff and schedule a consultation. Our team can review your symptoms, previous treatments and overall history to determine whether PRP may be an appropriate option for your individual needs.
No matter the cause of your symptoms, our team is here to provide you with the best treatment or management options for your individual needs.
Call California Sinus Centers for more information or to schedule an appointment.