A groundbreaking new treatment using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections is offering fresh hope for people suffering from anosmia—the loss of smell—caused by Covid-19 or other viral infections. This innovative therapy could help individuals regain their sense of smell, even years after losing it.
A Milestone in Anosmia Treatment: UK’s First Patient Undergoes Procedure
Chrissi Kelly, a woman from the UK, has become the first person in the country to undergo this pioneering treatment designed to restore the sense of smell. The procedure involves taking the patient’s blood, separating the platelets through a centrifuge, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma back into the body. The goal is to stimulate nerve regeneration, potentially allowing patients to regain their sense of smell.
“It’s incredible to finally have a treatment option after years of feeling like there was nothing we could do,” Kelly shared. “To be the first to try it is both thrilling and humbling.”
Kelly lost her sense of smell in 2012 following a sinus infection. She described anosmia as “like a bereavement,” explaining that the loss of smell affected her ability to connect with everyday experiences. Over time, Kelly developed two other conditions: phantosmia (hallucinated smells) and parosmia (distorted smells). These conditions made everyday life even more challenging.
At the time, the only available treatment was smell training, which involved inhaling various scents, like coffee or lavender, in an effort to retrain the brain and stimulate smell recovery. Motivated by her struggle, Kelly went on to found the charity AbScent, dedicated to supporting people with anosmia and creating smell training kits.
Covid-19 Brings Anosmia to the Forefront
The Covid-19 pandemic, which affected millions of people worldwide, brought the issue of anosmia to global attention. Many individuals, including celebrities such as comedian Katherine Ryan, lost their sense of smell during or after Covid infection. Ryan described the loss as “helpless,” a sentiment echoed by many others. AbScent’s support group saw its membership grow rapidly during the pandemic, though the charity ultimately had to close in 2022 due to financial difficulties.
The surge in Covid-related anosmia cases has also driven an increase in research into potential treatments. As a result, significant progress has been made in understanding how to restore the sense of smell. Researchers are particularly interested in PRP, a treatment that has shown promise for regenerating nerve tissue.
PRP Injections Show Promise in Restoring Smell
Prof Zara Patel, a specialist in anosmia at Stanford University, led clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of PRP injections. These trials showed that PRP could significantly improve smell recovery, with some patients reporting results within just three months. Remarkably, one patient even regained their sense of smell 45 years after losing it. Patel’s research suggests that the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for the sense of smell, has a unique ability to repair itself compared to other cranial nerves.
The positive results from Patel’s studies have led to growing interest in PRP as a treatment for anosmia. Prof Claire Hopkins, a leading expert in rhinology in the UK, began to explore the potential of PRP for her own patients. Hopkins, who works at Guy’s Hospital in London, had previously been cautious about new treatments, especially after witnessing patients try unproven remedies, such as burning oranges, in an effort to restore their sense of smell.
“I’ve been cautious because many patients are desperate and will try anything, even remedies like burning oranges, which don’t work,” Hopkins explained. “But PRP is supported by strong evidence, and it’s minimally invasive with low risk. I feel confident offering this to my patients now.”
Hopkins, who was one of the first to recognize the link between Covid and anosmia, hopes that the NHS will soon be able to offer this treatment to patients. PRP is already used in other medical procedures, such as in orthopedic treatments and skin care, making it easier to integrate into existing healthcare systems. However, approval from hospital boards is needed before the treatment can be rolled out more widely.
Early Signs of Improvement Bring Hope
Chrissi Kelly has already received one PRP injection, with two more scheduled over the next three months as part of her treatment plan. Though it is still early, Kelly has noticed subtle signs of improvement in her sense of smell.
“After years of smell training, I’ve become very attuned to any changes,” she said. “I still avoid onions, but coffee is enjoyable again, and some foods are becoming more pleasant.”
Kelly also recalled a breakthrough moment when she stepped outside her house. “The other day, I thought to myself, ‘That smells nice.’ Before I even turned around, I realized it was winter-flowering jasmine—and I was right.”
These early signs of improvement offer renewed hope for Kelly and others living with anosmia. If the treatment proves successful, it could revolutionize the lives of thousands of people who have suffered from anosmia or parosmia. The return of their sense of smell would not only restore a vital sensory experience but also reconnect them with the world around them in a way that was previously thought impossible.
The Future of Anosmia Treatment
As research into PRP and its effects on anosmia continues, it’s clear that this treatment could change the landscape of care for people with smell disorders. With more clinical trials underway, experts are optimistic that PRP injections could become a mainstream treatment option in the near future.
For now, Chrissi Kelly’s experience offers a beacon of hope to those suffering from anosmia, reminding them that treatment options are advancing. As this revolutionary therapy becomes more widely available, it may offer an entirely new path to recovery for individuals who have long struggled with the debilitating effects of smell loss.
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