Chasing Life Can Sense of Smell Be Recovered After Covid-19?
Jan 6, 2026
The podcast explores the intriguing connection between COVID-19 and loss of smell, detailing how common it has become. Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses olfactory neuron regeneration and the potential for recovery through smell training. Listeners hear expert insights on cannabis-related vomiting, known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, and the unique challenges it presents. Gupta also sheds light on rising cases linked to higher THC potency and emphasizes that abstaining from cannabis is the only true solution.
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Listener's Five-Year Smell Loss Story
- Marlene, 74 from Austin, lost taste and smell after COVID in 2020 and still has very limited smell five years later.
- She can detect strong odors but cannot smell most foods and asks about recovery options and emotional impacts.
Long-Term Smell Loss After Early COVID
- COVID caused very high rates of smell loss early in the pandemic, with about 80% affected in initial waves.
- By Omicron this dropped to ~36%, yet a 2023 study found up to 25% of affected people had not fully recovered.
Taste Loss Often Means Smell Damage
- Taste loss often reflects olfactory damage because smell drives much of flavor perception.
- A 2024 study found long-term taste loss in many patients was due to olfactory system damage rather than primary taste dysfunction.