Smell lost to COVID? nasal steroid rinse shows promise in trial

NCT ID NCT04361474

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a budesonide nasal rinse (a steroid) could improve smell loss in 120 adults who still had trouble smelling 30 days after a mild COVID-19 infection. Participants used the rinse twice daily for 30 days, along with smell training. The goal was to see if more people gained at least 2 points on a smell test compared to those using only a saltwater rinse.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: budesonide (a corticosteroid) given as a nasal rinse
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, at-home treatment to help people regain their sense of smell after COVID-19.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial, and the results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is not yet approved for this use, and corticosteroids carry some risks.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anosmia COVID-19

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANOSMIA BUDESONIDE OLFACTION DISORDERS SARS-COV-2

Contacts and locations

Locations

Amélie YAvchitz

Paris, 75019, France

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