Management of new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic - BRS Consensus Guidelines

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Hopkins, Claire, Alanin, Mikkel, Philpott, Carl, Harries, Phil, Whitcroft, Katherine, Qureishi, Ali, Anari, Shahram, Ramakrishnan, Yujay, Sama, Anshul, Davies, Elgan, Stew, Ben, Gane, Simon, Carrie, Sean, Hathorn, Iain, Bhalla, Raj, Kelly, Chrissi, Hill, Nina, Boak, Duncan and Nirmal Kumar, B. (2021) Management of new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic - BRS Consensus Guidelines. Clinical Otolaryngology, 46 (1). pp. 16-22. ISSN 1749-4478

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the study is to provide recommendations for the investigation and management of patients with new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: After undertaking a literature review, we used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi-step process to reach consensus about treatment options, onward referral, and imaging. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: An expert panel consisting of 15 members was assembled. A literature review was undertaken prior to the study and evidence was summarised for the panellists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The panel undertook a process of ranking and classifying appropriateness of different investigations and treatment options for new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a 9-point Likert scale, panellists scored whether a treatment was: Not recommended, optional, or recommended. Consensus was achieved when more than 70% of responses fell into the category defined by the mean. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on the majority of statements after 2 rounds of ranking. Disagreement meant no recommendation was made regarding one treatment, using Vitamin A drops. Alpha-lipoic acid was not recommended, olfactory training was recommended for all patients with persistent loss of sense of smell of more than 2 weeks duration, and oral steroids, steroid rinses, and omega 3 supplements may be considered on an individual basis. Recommendations regarding the need for referral and investigation have been made. CONCLUSION: This study identified the appropriateness of olfactory training, different medical treatment options, referral guidelines and imaging for patients with COVID-19-related loss of sense of smell. The guideline may evolve as our experience of COVID-19 develops.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: covid-19,ucla,corona virus,loss of sense of smell,olfactory training,otorhinolaryngology ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2733
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2020 23:59
Last Modified: 18 Jul 2025 03:33
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/77065
DOI: 10.1111/coa.13636

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