Part 3: Perspectives on Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction Pathophysiology, Management and Relevance to COVID-19:...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• COVID-19 has caused a global surge in smell and taste distortions, termed olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD).
• Existing research on OGD pathophysiology and epidemiology lacks practical clinical applications for chronic cases.
• There is a historical deficit in addressing OGD, with no current pharmacological treatments proving effective for chronic symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the urgent need for effective therapeutic and restorative modalities for OGD.
• To advocate for exploring non-pharmacological approaches, particularly those supporting natural neurophysiology.
• To investigate the potential of cranial nerve stimulation via auricular branches as a treatment for OGD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence supporting the investigation of auricular stimulation modalities.
• Focus on the 3-phase auricular acupuncture microsystem for precise neurological targeting.
• Emphasis on safe, inexpensive, and innovative approaches beyond traditional pharmacology.

Main Results:

• Auricular acupuncture stimulation shows promise as a safe and cost-effective method for OGD.
• This approach may positively influence specific neurological structures affected by OGD, including post-COVID-19 cases.
• Evidence supports the investigation of auricular stimulation for OGD, offering a potential alternative to ineffective medications.

Conclusions:

• Focused exploration of innovative therapeutic modalities for OGD is urgently required.
• Auricular nerve stimulation, particularly via auricular acupuncture, presents a viable and safe strategy for OGD amelioration.
• This approach warrants inclusion in multidisciplinary efforts to resolve chronic OGD, extending beyond COVID-19 sequelae.