Duke researchers studying new solutions for COVID patients losing sense of smell, taste

A team of experts at Duke University is researching a possible solution to coronavirus patients losing their senses of smell and taste.

"We are trying to understand how this virus can damage the sense of smell," explained Dr. Brad Goldstein.

Unlike the flu, when patients experience a loss of smell or taste because of mucus buildup, the loss of taste or smell with coronavirus can start before symptoms, such as a fever, are even detected.

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Researchers are studying if the virus attacks cells in the nose affecting smell.

"It looks like the virus recognizes a cell population in the lining of the nose. Rather than infecting the nerve endings directly, it seems more likely it is able to infect supporting cells," explained Goldstein.

Four and five months after recovery, some patients say they still cannot smell or taste.

Patients have undergone therapy by sniffing various items in an attempt to regain smell.  The current research is working toward finding a more concrete solution to help patients smell and taste again.

"We are hoping we will understand enough about what has been damaged to help repair it. When it is not recovering, that is the No. 1important thing is developing new treatments," said Goldstein.

The team of doctors recently applied for funding to analyze samples taken from people infected with COVID-19.