Smell training gets a boost: steroid drops show promise for Post-Infection smell loss

NCT ID NCT07386860

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding steroid nasal drops to standard smell training can improve smell function in people who lost their sense of smell after an infection (like a cold or COVID-19). 100 adults with impaired smell will receive either steroid drops plus training or placebo drops plus training. The goal is to see if the combination leads to better smell recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
steroid nasal drops
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a simple, accessible treatment to help people regain their sense of smell after an infection.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study (100 participants) and the improvement may be modest. Steroid drops can cause minor side effects like nosebleeds or irritation.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Dawei Wu

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100191, China

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.