The Feasibility of Investigating Acupuncture in Patients With COVID-19 Related Olfactory Dysfunction

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common symptom in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with limited treatment options.

This pilot study aimed to investigate an acupuncture protocol in patients with COVID-19 related OD.

Thirty patients were randomized into 2 groups. The standard group was treated with budesonide nasal irrigation and olfactory training. The acupuncture group received ten sessions of acupuncture therapy in addition to the standard group treatment. Olfaction was assessed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, 10-point visual analog scale, and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Differences between study arms were compared using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Eighteen of the 30 (60%) enrolled patients completed the study, including 11 (73%) in the standard and 7 (47%) in the acupuncture group. Reasons for participant drop-out included cost of travel and time constraints. There were no acupuncture complications.

Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19 related OD is well tolerated. Subsequent studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the effect of acupuncture on OD.