1 research outputs found
Systemic corticosteroids in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVIDâ19)ârelated smell dysfunction: an international view
The frequent association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVIDâ19) and olfactory dysfunction is creating an unprecedented demand for a treatment of the olfactory loss. Systemic corticosteroids have been considered as a therapeutic option. However, based on current literature, we call for caution using these treatments in early COVIDâ19ârelated olfactory dysfunction because: (1) evidence supporting their usefulness is weak; (2) the rate of spontaneous recovery of COVIDâ19ârelated olfactory dysfunction is high; and (3) corticosteroids have wellâknown potential adverse effects. We encourage randomized placeboâcontrolled trials investigating the efficacy of systemic steroids in this indication and strongly emphasize to initially consider smell training, which is supported by a robust evidence base and has no known side effects