Understanding how inflammation affects smell in chronic rhinosinusitis

Upper Airway Inflammation and Olfaction: Mechanisms of Loss and Recovery

NA · Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06776042

This study is testing whether a new treatment for inflammation can help improve the sense of smell in people with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain (other)
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT06776042 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate the mechanisms behind olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. It will assess whether type 2 inflammation impacts the regeneration of the olfactory epithelium and if a treatment targeting T2 inflammatory cytokines can influence olfactory dysfunction. Participants will undergo olfactory testing and nasal brushing before and after a 3-month treatment period to evaluate changes in their sense of smell. The study focuses on understanding the relationship between inflammation and olfactory recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 70 with chronic rhinosinusitis and olfactory dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with active smoking habits, immune deficiencies, or certain nasal conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from smell loss due to chronic rhinosinusitis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach may be novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the relationship between inflammation and olfactory function.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least two of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, smell loss, facial pain for 12 weeks.
* Endoscopic visualisation of bilateral sinonasal polyps
* SSI (TDI) \< 30.75 and decreased sense of smell subjectively
* Eosinophilia \> 300/μl of blood Ku/l
* On a stable nasal steroid treatment for at least 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active smoking
* Primary and secondary immune deficiencies
* Ciliary diseases (cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary diskinesia)
* History of or current nasal malignancies
* \< 18 years and \> 70 years
* Patients unable to express consent
* Use of systemic corticosteroids for \< 4 weeks before visit 1 • Use of systemic or local antibiotics for \< 4 weeks before visit 1

Where this trial is running

Brussels

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.