Investigating oral and smell issues in recovered COVID-19 patients

Oral and Olfactory Complications of Recovered COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Observational University of Giessen · NCT04791436

This study is trying to see how often and how badly people who have recovered from COVID-19 are still experiencing problems with their taste and smell.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment402 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Giessen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Giessen, Hesse)
Trial IDNCT04791436 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to explore the long-lasting oral and chemosensory disorders experienced by patients who have recovered from COVID-19. It will assess the frequency and severity of these symptoms, including taste and smell disorders, and examine their correlation with the severity of the initial COVID-19 illness. Participants will undergo clinical and radiological examinations in an interdisciplinary setting involving specialists from Maxillofacial Surgery, ENT, and Medical Microbiology. The study will categorize patients based on the severity of their COVID-19 experience, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the virus on oral health and sensory functions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who have recovered from COVID-19 at least three months prior.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric or neurological diseases, prior trauma, or existing taste or smell dysfunctions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on oral and sensory health, leading to better management strategies for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on COVID-19's effects are ongoing, this specific focus on oral and chemosensory disorders is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All adult COVID-19 recovery patients (exceeding the age of 18) will be included in the study. The time between illness and study recruitment shall be at least 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion criteria are psychiatric or neurological diseases, previous trauma, surgery or radiotherapy in the oral or nasal cavities, pre-existing taste or smell dysfunctions or chronic rhinosinusitis.

Where this trial is running

Giessen, Hesse

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oral ComplicationDysgeusiaOlfactory DisorderCOVID-19Oral ManifestationsOlfactory Manifestations
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.