Many viruses can cause smell loss, so it isn’t a shock that COVID-19 causes loss of smell and taste.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have been experimenting with PRP treatments into the nose. Other researchers at Jefferson are using PRP soaked swabs to try and treat COVID loss of smell.
While this is experimental , it is completely safe. It is NOT currently covered by insurance since it is experimental. Call us if you have questions about cost.
Here are the studies to read:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36507615/
How does it work?
Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated form of plasma, the liquid portion of blood, with blood cells and other blood components removed. It’s rich in platelets and, most importantly, growth factors — compounds known to help regenerate tissue and reduce inflammation.
The theory is that the chronic inflammation from the virus creates dysfunction in the olfactory nerve tissue areas of the nose. PRP is then supposed to reduce that inflammation naturally, rather than with steroid sprays.
At Wake Nonsurgical we use the swab technique which does not involve any pain as with an injection.
3 treatments per most ongoing studies is what we would advise, although we can stop at any point if improvement is made.
Who is a candidate, and is it safe?
PRP is very safe, as it is using your own body to stimulate some sort of healing response.
Viral loss of smell is somewhat rare, but very troubling for patients. We have treated close to 20 patients with loss of smell over the last year with overall good results. However, it is important to note that we can not assure that the treatment will work.
Patients MUST be at least 1 month out from their active COVID infection (ie. their last positive test). This allows enough time for the inflammation to reduce, and for the normal healing process to possibly take effect. If the patient still has loss of smell after 1 month we would consider treatment.
What are the benefits?
- There is very little risk to the patient, since we use the patient’s own blood
- Same day procedure with minimal down time
- Pain free procedure
- The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes
Most patients are good candidates for PRP, unless they have bleeding disorders or active cancers.
Why choose Dr. Kanaan for your PRP?
See why Dr. Kanaan is the expert in PRP and how he can help you receive relief from your orthopedic conditions.
- Duke fellowship-trained nonsurgical orthopedic specialist.
- Dr. Kanaan has performed thousands of PRP injections over the last 10+ years
- Every time you visit our office you will meet with Dr. Kanaan.
- Wake Nonsurgical Ortho is the Research Triangle’s first private practice solely dedicated to Nonsurgical orthopedics and Biologic Treatments
Many specialties use PRP, not just orthopedics, and the uses include PRP female hair loss, PRP male hair loss, PRP for Face & Skin Rejuvenation and PRP for Orthopedics. We focus on the Orthopedic uses for PRP.