Nasal sponge steroid shows promise for long COVID smell loss
NCT ID NCT05970731
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a steroid (beclomethasone) placed directly in the nose using a tiny sponge could help people who lost their sense of smell after COVID-19. Sixteen adults with smell loss lasting over 3 months received either the steroid or a placebo sponge twice, two weeks apart. The main goal was to see if the treatment led to a meaningful improvement on a smell test.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
beclomethasone (a steroid) delivered via a nasal sponge
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a treatment for smell loss after COVID-19.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early-phase trial with only 16 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is also short-term and may not restore smell for everyone.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Duke University Medical Center
Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States