A decreased sense of smell (hyposmia) is often caused by viral infections, such as COVID-19. Today, the only recommended treatment for hyposmia is olfactory training, a time consuming method with limitations in terms of both compliance and effect. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate, as well as optimize, a new treatment method for olfactory loss. Hyposmic participants will be recruited and randomized into two different treatment conditions. One group will do regular olfactory training and the other will do passive olfactory training with scented nose plugs. The training will be conducted in the home of the individual monday through friday for two consecutive months. Subjective and objectvie measures of olfactory problems will be assessed before and after treatment, as well as subjective measures related to quality of live and genereal wellbeing.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
120
Participants will complete olfactory training with scented nose plugs.
Participants will complete olfactory training with regular odors found in their home.
Karolinska Institutet
Solna, Stockholm County, Sweden
Objective olfactory function
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on objective olfactory function compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the standardized Sniffin' Sticks test to assess olfactory function.
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective symptoms and social/emotional consequences
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on subjective symptoms and social/emotional consequences compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT).
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective health
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on subjective health compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the Self-Rated Health 5 measure and SF-36.
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective olfactory function
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on subjective olfactory function compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the Self-Reported Mini Olfactory Questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective degree of suffering from olfactory impairment
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on subjective degree of suffering from olfactory impairment compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders - Negative Statements.
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective parosmia
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on subjective parosmia compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the Landis parosmia questionnaire.
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective depressive symptoms
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on depressive symptoms compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
Time frame: 2 months
Subjective general wellbeing
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the effect of olfactory training on depressive symptoms compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use the General Well Being Schedule.
Time frame: 2 months
Compliance
Does the use of scented nose plugs increase the compliance of olfactory training compared to regular olfactory training? For this outcome, we will use questions asking the participants about their experience during the olfactory training, specifically targeting their compliance, such as how often they actually completed the olfactory training and how often they forgot to.
Time frame: 2 months
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