New PRP Therapy Shows 80% Success Rate in Restoring Smell After COVID-19

A new therapeutic approach, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, is showing significant promise in restoring the sense of smell for individuals suffering from anosmia, particularly those affected by long COVID. According to Dr. Sina, an ENT surgeon, this innovative treatment has demonstrated an 80% success rate in a recent large study, with patients experiencing improvements in their olfactory function within three to four weeks. PRP therapy involves a straightforward process: a patient's own blood is drawn and then processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. This platelet-rich plasma is then carefully injected into the olfactory clefts, the area in the nose where smell receptors reside. Dr. Sina noted that the procedure is quick, typically taking only about 15 minutes in an office setting, with local numbing and minimal discomfort or recovery time. While not yet a standard treatment, PRP therapy is being explored for its potential in addressing post-viral and post-traumatic smell loss, offering hope to many seeking to regain this vital sense.