Smell lost to COVID? nasal steroid rinse shows promise in trial
NCT ID NCT04361474
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.
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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Amélie YAvchitz
Paris, 75019, France