Sniff Training for Loss of Smell
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to learn whether a structured smell training program (called "sniff training") can help improve sense of smell and quality of life in people who have experienced a reduced or lost sense of smell following a viral illness (also called post-viral anosmia).
Who Is on the Research Team?
Steven Munger
Principal Investigator
University of Virginia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people who have lost or have a reduced sense of smell after having a viral illness. Participants should not have other major health issues that could affect their ability to take part.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Sniff Training
Trial Overview
The study is testing whether using sniff training kits—a structured program where participants regularly practice smelling different scents—can help restore the sense of smell and improve quality of life.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Arm 3 will be identical to Arm 2 with the exception that the inhaler cartridges will not contain the same amount of odor as in the inhaler cartridges used in Arm 2.
Participants randomly assigned to Arm 1 will receive sniff training kits containing four inhaler cartridges, with each cartridge containing a different odor (such as lemon, leather, rose, banana, etc). Odor names will be on the cartridges. Participants are instructed to sniff each inhaler cartridge in the morning and evening for 12 weeks. After this initial 12 weeks, participants will receive a new kit which may contain four different odors. These new inhaler cartridges will be sniffed for an additional 12 weeks. At several points in the study, participants will take smell tests or answer questionnaires to assess their ability to smell, their quality of life, and their psychological and neurological health.
Arm 2 will be identical to Arm 1 with the exception that the inhaler cartridges provided to participants randomly assigned to Arm 2 will not have labels identifying the aroma contained in each cartridge.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Virginia
Lead Sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
Johns Hopkins University
Collaborator
Medical University of South Carolina
Collaborator
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