Olfactory training for COVID-19 related smell loss
The Effect of Olfactory Training in Patients With COVID-19 Induced Olfactory Dysfunction - A Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
This study is testing if using essential oils can help people who lost their sense of smell due to COVID-19 get it back better than using fragrance-free oils.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 65 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Copenhagen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05539560 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of olfactory training using essential oils compared to a placebo in patients experiencing olfactory dysfunction due to COVID-19. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which will use four essential oils (orange, lavender, clove, and peppermint), or the control group, which will use fragrance-free oils. Both groups will engage in a daily olfactory training routine for three months, with their progress monitored through a diary. The study aims to determine if olfactory training can improve the sense of smell in affected individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with olfactory dysfunction specifically caused by COVID-19.
Not a fit: Patients whose olfactory dysfunction is due to causes other than COVID-19 will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from smell loss due to COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: While olfactory training has been explored in other contexts, this specific approach for COVID-19 related dysfunction is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19 * Hyposmia (16.25-30.5) or anosmia (\<16) with or without parosmia assessed by TDI test with Sniffin Sticks performed in the Unit for Sense of Taste and Smell * \> 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Cause of hyposmia, anosmia or parosmia other than COVID-19 * Does not read or speak Danish * Lack of compliance to perform daily olfactory training
Where this trial is running
Copenhagen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital — Copenhagen, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ditte G Gertz Mogensen, PhD-student
- Email: ditte.gertz.mogensen@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 35457508
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.