Blog

Our sense of smell plays a much larger role in daily life than many people realize. It helps us enjoy food, detect hazards such as smoke or gas leaks, and contributes to our memories and emotional well-being. When smell is lost or significantly reduced, it can have a profound impact on quality of life.

While traditional treatment options for smell loss have been limited, researchers are now exploring new therapies that may help certain patients recover olfactory function. One of the most promising emerging treatments is platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Understanding Loss of Smell

A reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) or complete loss of smell (anosmia) can occur for many reasons, including:

• Viral infections, including COVID-19
• Chronic sinus disease or nasal polyps
• Head trauma
• Aging
• Certain neurological conditions
• Previous nasal or sinus surgery

In many cases, the underlying cause determines whether smell function is likely to recover and which treatments may be most effective.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, is created from a small sample of a patient’s own blood.

After the blood is collected, it is placed in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelets. These platelets contain numerous growth factors and proteins involved in tissue repair and healing.

PRP has been used for years in sports medicine, orthopedics, dermatology, and wound healing. More recently, ENT specialists have begun investigating whether these regenerative properties could help restore damaged olfactory tissue.

How Might PRP Help the Sense of Smell?

The cells responsible for detecting odors are located high inside the nasal cavity within an area called the olfactory epithelium.

Researchers believe that in some patients—particularly those with smell loss following viral infections—these specialized cells or the supporting tissue may be damaged.

By injecting PRP into the region surrounding the olfactory cleft, physicians hope to:

• Promote tissue healing
• Reduce persistent inflammation
• Stimulate regeneration of olfactory receptor cells
• Support recovery of smell function

While the exact mechanisms continue to be studied, PRP is thought to encourage the body’s own natural healing processes.

What Does the Research Show?

Research on PRP for smell loss is still evolving, but early results have been encouraging.

Several small clinical studies have reported that some patients experienced measurable improvements in smell testing after receiving PRP injections, particularly individuals with persistent smell loss following viral infections such as COVID-19.

However, it is important to recognize that:

• Research is still relatively limited.
• Larger clinical trials are needed.
• Not every patient experiences improvement.
• PRP is not yet considered the standard treatment for olfactory dysfunction.

As evidence continues to grow, specialists hope to better understand which patients are most likely to benefit.

Who May Be a Candidate?

PRP may be considered for carefully selected patients with persistent smell loss after a comprehensive evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).

Potential candidates may include individuals who:

• Have persistent smell loss after a viral illness
• Have not responded to conventional treatments
• Have no significant structural blockage preventing smell
• Have realistic expectations regarding outcomes

Because every case is different, a thorough examination is essential before determining whether PRP is appropriate.

Are There Risks?

Since PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is very low.

As with any office-based injection procedure, temporary side effects may include:

• Mild discomfort during the procedure
• Minor bleeding
• Temporary nasal irritation
• Mild swelling

Serious complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced physician.

What Other Treatments Are Available?

PRP is often considered alongside other evidence-based treatments for smell loss, which may include:

• Olfactory (smell) training
• Treatment of underlying sinus disease or allergies
• Corticosteroid therapy in selected cases
• Management of nasal polyps when present

Many specialists recommend combining treatments based on the underlying cause of smell loss rather than relying on a single therapy.

Looking Ahead

Interest in regenerative medicine continues to grow across many areas of healthcare, and olfactory dysfunction is no exception. PRP represents an exciting area of ongoing research that may expand treatment options for patients who previously had few alternatives.

Although more studies are needed to establish its long-term effectiveness, early findings suggest that PRP could become an important tool in the management of selected patients with persistent smell loss.

When Should You See an ENT Specialist?

If you’ve experienced a reduced or complete loss of smell lasting longer than several weeks—especially after recovering from a viral illness or if your symptoms are accompanied by chronic congestion, sinus infections, or nasal obstruction, an evaluation by an ENT specialist is recommended.

A comprehensive assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine whether treatments such as smell training, medical therapy, or emerging options like PRP may be appropriate for you.

The Bottom Line

For many years, treatment options for persistent smell loss were limited. Today, advances in regenerative medicine are opening new possibilities. While PRP is still considered an emerging therapy and further research is needed, early clinical studies have shown promising results for selected patients with chronic olfactory dysfunction. Working closely with an ENT specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the cause of your smell loss.