YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Total Anosmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Severe Microsmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Moderate Microsmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Moderate Microsmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Mild Microsmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Mild Microsmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Normosmia

YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION SCORE: Normosmia

RESULTS EXPLAINED:

Your number of correct answers and gender selection determine which of the 5 categories you fall into (listed below). Gender causes a slight difference in the scoring threshold (which has been factored into your score) because research has shown that men and women have a difference in olfactory performance.

5 Possible Result Categories of the UPSIT

1. Normosmia = Normal ability to smell

2. Mild Microsmia =Mild lessened ability to smell

3. Moderate Microsmia = Moderate lessened ability to smell

4. Severe Micromsia = Severe lessened ability to smell

5. Total Anosmia = No ability to smell

IF YOUR OLFACTORY FUNCTION WAS AFFECTED BY COVID-19

If you have taken the UPSIT test within a few weeks after contracting Covid and have scored in categories Mild, Moderate or Severe Microsmia or Total Anosmia, about 80 percent of individuals who contract Covid experience some variation of smell loss. However, roughly 80% of individuals do have their sense of smell return back to normal within a few weeks. You may want to reach out to your physician and/or an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist because the use of steroids might be helpful according to a preliminary trial carried out by the team at John Hopkins. You may also want to retest your sense of smell after 6 weeks.

If you have taken the UPSIT test more than 6 weeks after contracting Covid and have scored in categories Mild, Moderate or Severe Microsmia or Total Anosmia, you are part of the estimated 20% where recovery can sometimes be slower. Currently, data shows that it can take months and possibly even up to 3 years for people to see recovery of their sense of smell. You should make an appointment with your physician and/or an ENT specialist. They will most likely take a look inside your nose with a scope to ensure there are no other issues causing your smell loss.

ARE THERE ANY TREATMENTS OR CURES?

Currently, there are no immediate cures for any existing smell disorders. However, there are treatments. Evidence suggests that olfactory training, also known as smell training, can increase the odds and speed of recovery from smell disorders. Think of smell training like physical therapy for your nose. Twice a day for twelve weeks, you’ll smell the same four scents and try to remember what they used to smell like. This process attempts to retrain your brain to smell again through exposure and memory. Some patients have also had success with saline nasal rinses. This low-risk treatment may help your sense of smell if it is affected by infection or allergy. Nasal rinsing cleans and flushes out debris and mucus from the nose and nasal sinuses. Some physicians may prescribe a steroid along with the nasal rinse.

WHEN SHOULD I RETEST?

Because it takes time for olfactory nerves to regenerate and recover, you should wait about 12 weeks to retest your sense of smell to see if a change is observed.

YOUR STRUGGLE IS REAL BUT DON’T LOSE HOPE

There are numerous studies happening all over the world to find better answers, treatments and solutions for smell and taste disorders. There has been a huge focus from the medical community in recognizing the emotional and mental toll that smell and taste disorders have on an affected individual. While time may be the answer for many individuals, don’t lose hope. If you are suffering from depression and/or anxiety of if you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate professional help or talk with a family member. The phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.