Why does COVID-19 steal your sense of smell? scientists investigate
NCT ID NCT04366934
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at why some COVID-19 patients lose their sense of smell. Researchers compared nasal cell samples from 26 people—some with COVID-19 and smell loss, and some healthy controls. They aimed to find molecular and cellular differences in the nose that might explain the symptom.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help explain why some people lose their sense of smell from COVID-19 and point toward future treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed observational study with only 26 participants, so findings may not apply broadly and do not test any treatment.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Hôpital Lariboisière, Policlinique
Paris, France
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Hôpital Lariboisière, Service ORL
Paris, France