Effective early strategy to prevent olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OGDs) are common COVID-19 symptoms with potential neurological complications.
• Late treatments may not effectively protect olfactory and gustatory functions post-infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate early interventions for preventing OGDs in COVID-19 patients.
• Assessed the efficacy of saline nasal irrigation (SNI), corticosteroid nasal spray, and mouthwash.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 379 COVID-19 patients without initial OGDs.
• Interventions included SNI with budesonide nasal spray and chlorhexidine mouthwash, SNI with saline spray/mouthwash, or no intervention (control).
• Olfactory and gustatory functions were assessed using validated surveys and scales.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower OGD prevalence in the drug group (8.3%) and saline group (11.8%) compared to the control group (40.0%).
• Both early intervention strategies reduced the severity of OGDs.
• P-values < 0.001 for both intervention groups compared to control.

Conclusions:

• Early SNI combined with corticosteroid nasal spray and chlorhexidine mouthwash is an effective strategy for preventing COVID-19-related OGDs.
• Findings support early management of SARS-CoV-2 infection to mitigate complications.
• These interventions may help preserve olfactory and gustatory functions.