Smell Training Tips By A COVID-19 Survivor: The present unprecedented situation due to the novel pandemic owes a lot to the viable changes we are going through. Though the prolonged lockdown has controlled the spread to some extent, now with the reopening and measures being relaxed a bit, there might be a spike in the numbers of the affected. With the ongoing situation, we are here sharing the COVID treatment journey of Mehar Bhagat (Dietitian and Holistic Wellness Coach).
View this post on Instagram
MY COVID TREATMENT JOURNEY
I never thought my first video would be this, but I wanted to advise everyone to please treat every fever/symptom as Coronavirus and immediately isolate yourself to prevent any further spread. I would also like to emphasize the manifestation of COMPLETE loss of smell and taste as it is not a criterion for getting tested, but I feel it should be as 80% of cases I had seen online had reported this symptom and I also decided to get tested because of this symptom. Keep a record of your symptoms so you can inform others as well if there are any new symptoms that one should look out for. The fear of this virus and the increasing numbers is creating so much panic, anxiety and social stigma, which needs to be tackled as much as the disease itself. I am incredibly grateful and privileged to be able to isolate myself in my room. If you feel that this information is helpful, kindly share it, and I would be glad to help anyone I can. I would also urge more people to share their experiences as it might help anyone feeling alone during this quarantine. Please stay home, stay safe. Even if you get through this, someone else might not be able to. You can save a life.
CORONAVIRUS SMELL & TASTE RECOVERY
When people “palate” food, they are experiencing input from three different sensory systems that are knitted together to form a singular unified sensation. Taste describes the 5 qualities we sense on the tongue, including salty, sweet, sour, bitter and savoury. Other responses from food occur via our sense of smell and mouth as unpredictable chemicals are released when we chew. These chemicals travel to reach smell receptors found at the top of the nasal cavity. The third sensory system involved in food flavour affects temperature and touch nerves that can also be activated by chemicals, also known as chemesthesis. In the mouth, these sensations include the cooling of mouthwash or mints, the burn of chilli peppers, the vibrating buzz of Sichuan peppers, or the tingle of carbonation. Together, these 3 chemosensory systems – chemesthesis, smell and taste – work to define our perceptual experiences from food.
More information on Olfactory Training / Smell training: In one study of post-viral loss of smell, 80% had recovered their scent by 1 year, and eighty-five per cent by two years, with no treatment. The olfactory system is remarkably capable of learning and recovery, and the entire olfactory nerves can regenerate. Smell training has been given to increase the odds and speed of recovery.
Mehar Bhagat's COVID Recovery
COVID Helpline - 1075: For everyone asking how long can the symptoms take to present themselves and any other general information. I hope this can be helpful to anyone who has to isolate and is recovering.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am only sharing my experience. I am not asking anyone to do what I did. Please consult your doctor for medical advice and support.
View this post on Instagram
Read More in Latest Health News