🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 19 (from laksa166)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa019.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/news\/health-tip\/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry","crawl_time":1775088330,"first_indexed_time":1616732726,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"edu,chop!www,\/news\/health-tip\/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry s443","src_root_hash":"3983969987610961419","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Loss of Smell in the COVID-19 Era: When to Worry | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia","meta_descriptions":["Loss of a sense of smell from COVID-19 is common and can be distressing. Fortunately, it is usually temporary, but may require further investigation by skilled ENT doctors."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s\nDivision of Otolaryngology\n– commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.\nSo, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps.\nIn most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability.\nFind a Specialist\nWe have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.\nFind one near you.\nAnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s\nSinus Clinic\n, these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed.\nAccelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19\nMany children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected.\nWhile there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes.\nOlfactory training\nOlfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.\nChildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used.\nTypically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training.\nAfter consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day.\nThe training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms.\nNot COVID-related? What else could it be?\nIf your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms?\nThen, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended.\nChildren with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids.\nLosing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover.\nIn cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children  – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit.\nThough rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately.\nWhen to seek help\nWhile a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or\nwww.chop.edu\/ENT\n.\nMark D. Rizzi, MD\n, is an attending physician;\nJana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN\n, is a nurse practitioner, both in the\nDivision of Otolaryngology\n(ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.\nThroughout the pandemic, CHOP’s\nDivision of Otolaryngology\n– commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.\nSo, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps.\nIn most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability.\nFind a Specialist\nWe have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.\nFind one near you.\nAnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s\nSinus Clinic\n, these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed.\nAccelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19\nMany children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected.\nWhile there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes.\nOlfactory training\nOlfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.\nChildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used.\nTypically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training.\nAfter consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day.\nThe training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms.\nNot COVID-related? What else could it be?\nIf your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms?\nThen, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended.\nChildren with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids.\nLosing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover.\nIn cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children  – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit.\nThough rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately.\nWhen to seek help\nWhile a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or\nwww.chop.edu\/ENT\n.\nMark D. Rizzi, MD\n, is an attending physician;\nJana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN\n, is a nurse practitioner, both in the\nDivision of Otolaryngology\n(ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/news\/health-tip\/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry#main-content)\n\n## Secondary\n[Go to CHOP.edu](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/)\n\n- [Research](https:\/\/www.research.chop.edu\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.chop.edu\/)\n- [International](https:\/\/gps.chop.edu\/)\n- [Donate Now](https:\/\/give2.chop.edu\/give\/241805\/#!\/donation\/checkout?c_src=XXAI-eMainNav)\n- [MyCHOP Portal](https:\/\/mychop.chop.edu\/mychart)\n\n## Main navigation\n- Get Care Toggle sub-navigation\n- Patients & Families Toggle sub-navigation\n- Healthcare Professionals Toggle sub-navigation\n- [Locations](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/locations)\n- [Specialties](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/specialties)\n\n- Close Menu\n  \n  Get Care\n  - [See all types of care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/get-care)\n  - [Schedule an appointment](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/appointment-scheduling)\n  - [Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors)\n  - [Symptom Checker](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/symptom-checker)\n  - [Get a second opinion](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/second-opinions)\n  - [Conditions we treat](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/conditions-diseases)\n  \n  - [Primary Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/primary-care-locations)\n  - [Specialty Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/specialty-care-locations)\n  - [Emergency Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/emergency-care-locations)\n  - [Urgent Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/urgent-care-locations)\n  - [Inpatient Care for Kids](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/inpatient-care-locations)\n  - [Community Hospital Affiliates](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/community-affiliates)\n  \n  ### Find a research study\n  Use this finder to learn more about the purpose of these studies and clinical trials, find out who can participate, and tell us you're interested in enrolling.\n  \n  [Search now](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/research-studies)\n- Close Menu\n  \n  Patients & Families\n  - [Resources for families](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/patients-and-families)\n  - [Caring for your child](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/caring-for-your-child)\n  - [Request medical records](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/patients-and-visitors\/obtaining-medical-records)\n  - [Find research studies](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/research-studies)\n  \n  Navigating your visit\n  \n  [Inpatient stays in Philadelphia](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/philadelphia-campus\/your-childs-inpatient-visit) [Inpatient stays in King of Prussia](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/king-prussia-campus\/your-childs-inpatient-visit) [Health forms](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/primary-care-locations\/health-form-requests)\n  \n  [Billing & insurance](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/billing-and-insurance)\n  \n  [Pay a bill](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/billing-and-insurance\/online-bill-pay) [Family Health Coverage Program](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/billing-and-insurance\/family-health-coverage-program) [Accepted insurance plans](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/billing-and-insurance\/does-chop-take-my-insurance) [Get an Estimate for Services](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/billing-and-insurance\/request-cost-estimate)\n  \n  ### Innovation and your child\n  Led by the greatest minds in medicine our world-renowned teams are taking on the toughest diseases the world has ever seen.\n  \n  [Learn more](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/innovation-pediatric-healthcare)\n- Close Menu\n  \n  Healthcare Professionals\n  - [Resources for professionals](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals)\n  - [Continuing Education (CE) Portal](https:\/\/chop.cloud-cme.com\/default.aspx)\n  - [CE live courses](https:\/\/chop.cloud-cme.com\/course\/listing?p=1000)\n  - [All upcoming events](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/events)\n  \n  - [Clinical Pathways](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/pathways)\n  - [CHOP OPEN (Recorded webinars)](https:\/\/open.chop.edu\/)\n  - [General inquiries](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/healthcare-professionals\/contactus)\n  - [Request a speaker](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/book-a-speaker)\n  \n  Refer a patient\n  \n  [Submit referral form](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/national-patient-services-referrals) [Referral toolkit](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/patient-referral-toolkit) [International inquiries](https:\/\/gps.chop.edu\/refer-a-patient)\n  \n  ### Find research studies\n  Explore research studies available at CHOP that may be helpful to your patients.\n  \n  [Search now](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/research-studies\/search)\n\n## Sidebar\n- [Conditions](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/conditions-diseases)\n- Innovation\n  - [Our Breakthroughs](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/innovation-pediatric-healthcare)\n  - [Research Studies](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/research-studies)\n- [Programs & Initiatives](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/programs-and-initiatives)\n- About CHOP\n  - [About CHOP](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/about-us)\n  - [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/newsroom)\n  - [Awards, Accreditations, and Recognition](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/about-us\/awards-accreditations-and-recognition)\n  - [Inclusion and Belonging](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/inclusion-belonging)\n- CHOP Foundation\n  - [Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving)\n  - [Donate Now](https:\/\/give2.chop.edu\/give\/241805\/#!\/donation\/checkout?c_src=XXAI-eMainSide)\n  - [Your Impact](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving\/your-impact)\n  - [Get Involved](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving\/get-involved)\n  - [More Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving\/more-ways-to-give)\n\n## Secondary\n[Go to CHOP.edu](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/)\n\n- [Research](https:\/\/www.research.chop.edu\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.chop.edu\/)\n- [International](https:\/\/gps.chop.edu\/)\n- [Donate Now](https:\/\/give2.chop.edu\/give\/241805\/#!\/donation\/checkout?c_src=XXAI-eMainNav)\n- [MyCHOP Portal](https:\/\/mychop.chop.edu\/mychart)\n\n## Mobile Navigation\n- Get Care\n  - [See all types of care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/get-care)\n  - [Schedule an appointment](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/appointment-scheduling)\n  - [Find a doctor](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors)\n  - [Symptom Checker](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/symptom-checker)\n  - [Get a second opinion](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/second-opinions)\n  - [Conditions we treat](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/conditions-diseases)\n  - [Primary Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/primary-care-locations)\n  - [Specialty Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/specialty-care-locations)\n  - [Emergency Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/emergency-care-locations)\n  - [Urgent Care](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/urgent-care-locations)\n  - [Inpatient Care for Kids](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/inpatient-care-locations)\n  - [Community Hospital Affiliates](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/community-affiliates)\n- Patients & Families\n  - [Resources for families](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/patients-and-families)\n  - [Caring for your child](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/caring-for-your-child)\n  - [Request medical records](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/patients-and-visitors\/obtaining-medical-records)\n  - [Find research studies](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/research-studies)\n  - Navigating your visit\n    - [Inpatient stays in Philadelphia](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/philadelphia-campus\/your-childs-inpatient-visit)\n    - [Inpatient stays in King of Prussia](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/king-prussia-campus\/your-childs-inpatient-visit)\n    - [Health forms](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/primary-care-locations\/health-form-requests)\n  - Billing & insurance\n    - [Pay a bill](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/billing-and-insurance\/online-bill-pay)\n    - [Family Health Coverage Program](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/billing-and-insurance\/family-health-coverage-program)\n    - [Accepted insurance plans](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/billing-and-insurance\/does-chop-take-my-insurance)\n    - [Get an Estimate for Services](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/billing-and-insurance\/request-cost-estimate)\n- Healthcare Professionals\n  - [Resources for professionals](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals)\n  - [Continuing Education (CE) Portal](https:\/\/chop.cloud-cme.com\/default.aspx)\n  - [CE live courses](https:\/\/chop.cloud-cme.com\/course\/listing?p=1000)\n  - [All upcoming events](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/events)\n  - [Clinical Pathways](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/pathways)\n  - [CHOP OPEN (Recorded webinars)](https:\/\/open.chop.edu\/)\n  - [General inquiries](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/healthcare-professionals\/contactus)\n  - [Request a speaker](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/book-a-speaker)\n  - Refer a patient\n    - [Submit referral form](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/national-patient-services-referrals)\n    - [Referral toolkit](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/healthcare-professionals\/patient-referral-toolkit)\n    - [International inquiries](https:\/\/gps.chop.edu\/refer-a-patient)\n- [Locations](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/locations)\n- [Specialties](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/specialties)\n- [Conditions](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/conditions-diseases)\n- Innovation\n  - [Our Breakthroughs](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/innovation-pediatric-healthcare)\n  - [Research Studies](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/research-studies)\n- [Programs & Initiatives](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/programs-and-initiatives)\n- About CHOP\n  - [About CHOP](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/about-us)\n  - [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/newsroom)\n  - [Awards, Accreditations, and Recognition](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/about-us\/awards-accreditations-and-recognition)\n  - [Inclusion and Belonging](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/inclusion-belonging)\n- CHOP Foundation\n  - [Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving)\n  - [Donate Now](https:\/\/give2.chop.edu\/give\/241805\/#!\/donation\/checkout?c_src=XXAI-eMainSide)\n  - [Your Impact](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving\/your-impact)\n  - [Get Involved](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving\/get-involved)\n  - [More Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/giving\/more-ways-to-give)\n\n# Loss of Smell in the COVID-19 Era: When to Worry\n## Breadcrumb\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/)\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/newsroom)\n- Health Tip\n- Loss of Smell In The COVID-19 Era: When To Worry\n\nPost\n\nLoss of Smell in the COVID-19 Era: When to Worry\n\nJanuary 30, 2022\n\n![](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x\/public\/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=T1wYYoc4)\n\n![Young girl smelling a flower](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/original_160x_1x\/public\/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ)\n\nThroughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.\n\nSo, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps.\n\nIn most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability.\n\n### Find a Specialist\nWe have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.  \n [Find one near you.](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat\/locations)\n\nAnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/sinus-clinic \"Sinus Clinic\"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed.\n\n## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19\nMany children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected.\n\nWhile there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes.\n\n## Olfactory training\nOlfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.\n\nChildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used.\n\nTypically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training.\n\nAfter consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day.\n\nThe training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms.\n\n## Not COVID-related? What else could it be?\nIf your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms?\n\nThen, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended.\n\nChildren with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids.\n\nLosing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover.\n\nIn cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit.\n\nThough rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately.\n\n## When to seek help\nWhile a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu\/ENT](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\").\n\n*[Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors\/rizzi-mark-d \"Mark D. Rizzi, MD\"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/clinical-staff\/bradley-jana \"Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN\"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.*\n\n### Featured in this article\n#### Specialties & Programs\n[Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat)\n\n[Sinus Clinic](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/sinus-clinic)\n\n![Young girl smelling a flower](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/original_160x_1x\/public\/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ)\n\nThroughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.\n\nSo, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps.\n\nIn most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability.\n\n### Find a Specialist\nWe have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.  \n [Find one near you.](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat\/locations)\n\nAnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/sinus-clinic \"Sinus Clinic\"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed.\n\n## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19\nMany children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected.\n\nWhile there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes.\n\n## Olfactory training\nOlfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.\n\nChildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used.\n\nTypically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training.\n\nAfter consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day.\n\nThe training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms.\n\n## Not COVID-related? What else could it be?\nIf your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms?\n\nThen, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended.\n\nChildren with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids.\n\nLosing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover.\n\nIn cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit.\n\nThough rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately.\n\n## When to seek help\nWhile a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu\/ENT](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\").\n\n*[Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors\/rizzi-mark-d \"Mark D. Rizzi, MD\"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/clinical-staff\/bradley-jana \"Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN\"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.*\n\n## Contact us\nDivision of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\n\nContact us\n\n[215-590-3440](tel:215-590-3440)\n\n[Second opinions](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat\/second-opinions)\n\n[Remote consultation](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/online-second-opinion-remote-consultation)\n\nFeedback\n\n3401 Civic Center Blvd.Philadelphia, PA 19104\n\n## Footer\n- [About CHOP](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/about-us)\n  - [Careers](https:\/\/careers.chop.edu\/)\n  - [Our mission](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/about-us\/our-mission)\n  - [Innovation](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/innovation-pediatric-healthcare)\n  - 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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.\n\n[Jump back to top](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/news\/health-tip\/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry#main-content)","attrs_readable_markdown":"![Young girl smelling a flower](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/original_160x_1x\/public\/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ)\n\nThroughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.\n\nSo, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps.\n\nIn most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability.\n\n### Find a Specialist\nWe have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.  \n [Find one near you.](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat\/locations)\n\nAnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/sinus-clinic \"Sinus Clinic\"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed.\n\n## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19\nMany children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected.\n\nWhile there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes.\n\n## Olfactory training\nOlfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.\n\nChildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used.\n\nTypically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training.\n\nAfter consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day.\n\nThe training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms.\n\n## Not COVID-related? What else could it be?\nIf your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms?\n\nThen, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended.\n\nChildren with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids.\n\nLosing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover.\n\nIn cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit.\n\nThough rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately.\n\n## When to seek help\nWhile a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu\/ENT](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\").\n\n*[Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors\/rizzi-mark-d \"Mark D. Rizzi, MD\"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/clinical-staff\/bradley-jana \"Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN\"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.*\n\n![Young girl smelling a flower](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/original_160x_1x\/public\/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ)\n\nThroughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition.\n\nSo, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps.\n\nIn most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability.\n\n### Find a Specialist\nWe have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region.  \n [Find one near you.](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat\/locations)\n\nAnosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/sinus-clinic \"Sinus Clinic\"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed.\n\n## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19\nMany children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected.\n\nWhile there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes.\n\n## Olfactory training\nOlfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery.\n\nChildren can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used.\n\nTypically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training.\n\nAfter consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day.\n\nThe training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms.\n\n## Not COVID-related? What else could it be?\nIf your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms?\n\nThen, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended.\n\nChildren with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids.\n\nLosing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover.\n\nIn cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit.\n\nThough rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately.\n\n## When to seek help\nWhile a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu\/ENT](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\").\n\n*[Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/doctors\/rizzi-mark-d \"Mark D. Rizzi, MD\"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/clinical-staff\/bradley-jana \"Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN\"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https:\/\/www.chop.edu\/centers-programs\/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat \"Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)\") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.*","meta_canonical":null}

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Property	Value
URL	https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry
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Meta Title	Loss of Smell in the COVID-19 Era: When to Worry \| Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Meta Description	Loss of a sense of smell from COVID-19 is common and can be distressing. Fortunately, it is usually temporary, but may require further investigation by skilled ENT doctors.
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Boilerpipe Text	Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. In most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. Find a Specialist We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region. Find one near you. Anosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s Sinus Clinic , these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. Olfactory training Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery. Children can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used. Typically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training. After consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day. The training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms. Not COVID-related? What else could it be? If your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms? Then, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended. Children with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids. Losing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover. In cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit. Though rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately. When to seek help While a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or www.chop.edu/ENT . Mark D. Rizzi, MD , is an attending physician; Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN , is a nurse practitioner, both in the Division of Otolaryngology (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. In most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. Find a Specialist We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region. Find one near you. Anosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s Sinus Clinic , these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. Olfactory training Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery. Children can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used. Typically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training. After consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day. The training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms. Not COVID-related? What else could it be? If your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms? Then, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended. Children with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids. Losing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover. In cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit. Though rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately. When to seek help While a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or www.chop.edu/ENT . Mark D. Rizzi, MD , is an attending physician; Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN , is a nurse practitioner, both in the Division of Otolaryngology (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
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[Newsroom](https://www.chop.edu/newsroom) - Health Tip - Loss of Smell In The COVID-19 Era: When To Worry Post Loss of Smell in the COVID-19 Era: When to Worry January 30, 2022 ![](https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_150_3x2_160x107_1x/public/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=T1wYYoc4) ![Young girl smelling a flower](https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/styles/original_160x_1x/public/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ) Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. In most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. ### Find a Specialist We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region. [Find one near you.](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat/locations) Anosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/sinus-clinic "Sinus Clinic"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. ## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. ## Olfactory training Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery. Children can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used. Typically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training. After consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day. The training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms. ## Not COVID-related? What else could it be? If your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms? Then, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended. Children with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids. Losing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover. In cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit. Though rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately. ## When to seek help While a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu/ENT](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)"). [Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https://www.chop.edu/doctors/rizzi-mark-d "Mark D. Rizzi, MD"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https://www.chop.edu/clinical-staff/bradley-jana "Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. ### Featured in this article #### Specialties & Programs [Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat) [Sinus Clinic](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/sinus-clinic) ![Young girl smelling a flower](https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/styles/original_160x_1x/public/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ) Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. In most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. ### Find a Specialist We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region. [Find one near you.](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat/locations) Anosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/sinus-clinic "Sinus Clinic"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. ## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. ## Olfactory training Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery. Children can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used. Typically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training. After consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day. The training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms. ## Not COVID-related? What else could it be? If your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms? Then, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended. Children with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids. Losing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover. In cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit. Though rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately. ## When to seek help While a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu/ENT](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)"). [Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https://www.chop.edu/doctors/rizzi-mark-d "Mark D. Rizzi, MD"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https://www.chop.edu/clinical-staff/bradley-jana "Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. ## Contact us Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat) Contact us [215-590-3440](tel:215-590-3440) [Second opinions](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat/second-opinions) [Remote consultation](https://www.chop.edu/online-second-opinion-remote-consultation) Feedback 3401 Civic Center Blvd.Philadelphia, PA 19104 ## Footer - [About CHOP](https://www.chop.edu/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.chop.edu/) - [Our mission](https://www.chop.edu/about-us/our-mission) - [Innovation](https://www.chop.edu/innovation-pediatric-healthcare) - [Newsroom](https://www.chop.edu/newsroom) - [Get Care](https://www.chop.edu/get-care) - [Find a doctor](https://www.chop.edu/doctors) - [Find a location](https://www.chop.edu/locations) - [Find a specialty](https://www.chop.edu/specialties) - [Get a second opinion](https://www.chop.edu/second-opinions) - [Patients & Families](https://www.chop.edu/patients-and-families) - [Insurance & billing](https://www.chop.edu/billing-and-insurance) - [Price transparency](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/billing-and-insurance/price-transparency) - [Know my rights about surprise medical bills](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/billing-and-insurance/your-rights-and-protections-against-surprise-medical-bills) - [Caring for your child](https://www.chop.edu/caring-for-your-child) - [Healthcare Providers](https://www.chop.edu/healthcare-professionals) - [Refer a patient](https://www.chop.edu/healthcare-professionals/patient-referral-toolkit) - [Clinical pathways](https://www.chop.edu/pathways) [Ways to Give](https://www.chop.edu/giving) - [Get involved](https://www.chop.edu/giving/get-involved) - [Make a gift](https://give2.chop.edu/give/241805/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=XXAI-eMainFooter) Directory Appointments & Information [1-800-879-2467](tel:1-800-879-2467) Foundation [267-426-5332](tel:267-426-5332) Research [215-590-3800](tel:215-590-3800) Referring Physicians [1-800-879-2467](tel:1-800-879-2467) ### Sign up for newsletters Be among the first to know about our latest breakthroughs. 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Readable Markdown	![Young girl smelling a flower](https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/styles/original_160x_1x/public/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ) Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. In most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. ### Find a Specialist We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region. [Find one near you.](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat/locations) Anosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/sinus-clinic "Sinus Clinic"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. ## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. ## Olfactory training Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery. Children can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used. Typically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training. After consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day. The training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms. ## Not COVID-related? What else could it be? If your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms? Then, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended. Children with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids. Losing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover. In cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit. Though rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately. ## When to seek help While a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu/ENT](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)"). [Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https://www.chop.edu/doctors/rizzi-mark-d "Mark D. Rizzi, MD"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https://www.chop.edu/clinical-staff/bradley-jana "Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. ![Young girl smelling a flower](https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/styles/original_160x_1x/public/health-tips-loss-smell-covid-19-era-when-worry-16x9.jpg?itok=GtneV7yQ) Throughout the pandemic, CHOP’s [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") – commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists – has received an influx of calls related to children and teens losing their sense of smell, or anosmia. For many, the loss of smell is caused by COVID-19, which while concerning, is usually something that will resolve within six months. For reasons that are not yet understood, some patients’ anosmia will persist for a longer duration. Importantly, a loss of smell can be due to problems unrelated to COVID-19 and may be a sign of a separate and possibly serious condition. So, how can families tell the difference? By consulting with an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to diagnose the issue and recommend next steps. In most cases, we can offer reassurance. A majority of children who lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 will experience a spontaneous recovery within six months. For others, recovery may take longer, but there are tools that may help speed the process. At this time, we have no evidence that a child’s loss of smell post-COVID-19 will result in permanent disability. ### Find a Specialist We have pediatric ENT specialists throughout the region. [Find one near you.](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat/locations) Anosmia from COVID-19 likely occurs from direct infection of the olfactory nerves by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Anosmia commonly occurs early during infection, often with no associated nasal congestion. While smell loss is very common in adults with COVID-19, it fortunately appears to occur less frequently in children. Children with absent sense of smell not associated with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a specialist to consider alternative causes. At CHOP’s [Sinus Clinic](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/sinus-clinic "Sinus Clinic"), these visits sometimes start with a telemedicine appointment for the initial consultation, after which in-person visits can be easily arranged if needed. ## Accelerating smell and taste recovery after COVID-19 Many children who’ve contracted COVID-19 experience changes in their sense of smell while the virus is active in their bodies and for some time afterward. Older children are the most likely to notice and verbalize this change. They may say their favorite foods don’t smell the same or taste as good as they used to. As humans, our ability to perceive flavors depends mostly on our sense of smell; when olfaction is altered, taste is affected. While there are not yet any clinically-approved methods to reactivate a child’s sense of smell after COVID-19, there is evidence that shows olfactory training to be helpful in speeding recovery from smell loss due to other causes. ## Olfactory training Olfactory training – also known as smell training – has been used successfully for years to help patients reengage their sense of smell after viral infections and other ailments. This technique involves consciously sniffing several familiar odors – one at a time for a minute or two – twice a day to stimulate recovery. Children can help pick scents that are familiar to them, such as cinnamon, orange, ketchup, vanilla, lemon and others. Essential oils can also be used, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender. Other scents that may be familiar but not yet enjoyed – e.g., coffee or onions – may also be used. Typically, four different fragrances are trialed at a time, though these can be switched out after a few weeks if the child reports no change in their sense of smell. Stronger, smells are recommended during olfactory training. After consulting with a trained professional, parents can begin olfactory training at home with their child. Parents should encourage children to vary between gentle and deep sniffs of the item before moving on to the next. Encourage the child to imagine and think about the scent while sniffing. For example, if smelling chocolate, encourage the child to envision delicious brownies, or perhaps the child’s favorite cupcakes. The entire experience should take about 10 minutes, twice a day. The training can reignite the mind-body connection to the items – even if patients don’t realize it at first. For example, a child may smell cinnamon and suddenly have a craving for French toast. While the connection may not seem obvious to the child, parents can observe the links and improvement of symptoms. ## Not COVID-related? What else could it be? If your child loses their sense of smell and there is no history of confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should observe the child for signs of illness. Are they coughing and sneezing? Do they have congestion and a runny nose? Do they display unusual or unexplained symptoms? Then, armed with this information, contact your child’s healthcare provider. They will listen to your child’s symptoms and advise whether an in-person or virtual appointment is recommended. Children with common colds – which can cause congestion, stuffy nose and lack of smell – will typically recover in a few days to two weeks. In most cases, these children can be assessed virtually or in-person by a pediatrician. Recommended treatment typically includes rest and plenty of fluids. Losing the ability to smell beyond a few days can be an indicator of something more serious. Your child’s pediatrician – with support from an ENT specialist, as needed – can help determine next steps. In some cases, a child with an olfactory deficit will be diagnosed with an infection and may require antibiotics to recover. In cases where a child’s lack of smell cannot be attributed to today’s usual suspects – i.e., lingering COVID-19 symptoms, a cold or infection – clinicians will begin testing for other possible reasons. CT and MRI scans are common in this circumstance, as is a nasal endoscopy to allow clinicians to look inside the nose for any physical reason for the child’s loss of smell. In some cases, additional testing – including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or a Pediatric Smell Wheel for younger children – may help quantify your child’s smell deficit. Though rare, nasal obstructions that blocks air flow through the nose may be caused by conditions that require intervention. These include nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, a deviated nasal septum or tumors. If your child is experiencing pain or bleeding from the nose or nasal area, contact your child’s doctor immediately. ## When to seek help While a child’s loss of their sense of smell is not always a sign of a more serious condition, it can serve as an important warning sign and should be investigated further. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact CHOP’s Division of Otolaryngology at 215-590-3440 or [www.chop.edu/ENT](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)"). [Mark D. Rizzi, MD](https://www.chop.edu/doctors/rizzi-mark-d "Mark D. Rizzi, MD"), is an attending physician; [Jana L. Bradley, MSN, CRNP, CORLN](https://www.chop.edu/clinical-staff/bradley-jana "Jana Bradley, MSN, CRNP, PNP-BC, CORLN"), is a nurse practitioner, both in the [Division of Otolaryngology](https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/division-otolaryngology-ear-nose-and-throat "Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)") (ENT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
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