Comparison Between Intranasal Insulin Films Alone and Combined Intranasal Insulin Plus Steroid Films for Post Viral...

Olfactory dysfunction has emerged as a prominent symptom of post viral (COVID 19) rhinitis, persisting in a subset of patients even after recovery. Insulin (IN)receptors are found in the olfactory mucosa, and it has been noticed that IN treatment promotes olfactory sensory neuron regeneration, so it is included in the list of possible methods for treating olfactory impairment. To compare the effect of intranasal insulin films on improving post viral olfactory dysfunction in one group of patients and improving the prepared formulation by addition of another active ingredient (Budesonide) and study the percentage of recovery from this combination on another group of patients. The study included 250 patients of both sexes with post viral (COVID 19) olfactory dysfunction and divided into 2 groups Group A (n = 125 patients) received 100 IU of insulin combined with 10 mg budesonide and Group B (125 patients) received 100 IU of insulin only. Olfactory improvement in both groups after intranasal insulin fast dissolving film application were observed, olfactory scores were recorded in the group which received combined films containing Budesonide added to the insulin, signifying the important role of Budesonide together with insulin in improving Post viral olfactory dysfunction. Intranasal insulin therapy is a viable technique to treating post viral olfactory impairment since it improves both olfactory threshold and discrimination. Furthermore, combining Budesonide with insulin in the unique fast dissolving intranasal films produced significantly better results (p value < 0.001) in the therapy of post viral olfactory dysfunction.