Common Nasal Problems in Long COVID Patients

Breathe Easy Again: The Nose’s Role in Long COVID

If you’ve been living with long COVID, your nose might feel like it’s on an endless rollercoaster ride—complete with unexpected twists and turns. From stuffy sinuses to smelling burnt toast when there’s none in sight (parosmia, anyone?), these symptoms can be confusing and frustrating.

What’s Happening Inside Your Nose?

Long COVID affects everyone differently, but here’s a quick rundown of common nasal symptoms:

1. Chronic Nasal Congestion
   This isn’t your typical “winter cold” stuffiness. Long COVID can cause persistent inflammation in your nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through your nose. The congestion blocks airflow and traps mucus, leaving you feeling like you’re constantly mouth-breathing. It’s not glamorous, but hey, at least you can hum like Darth Vader!
2. Loss or Distortion of Smell (Anosmia and Parosmia)
   Lost your sense of smell (anosmia)? Or worse, started smelling things that aren’t there, like burnt toast or rotten eggs(parosmia)? This happens because COVID-19 can damage the olfactory nerve, which helps you smell. For some, this resolves quickly; for others, it can persist for months. So, if your morning coffee starts smelling like rotten eggs, don’t panic—it’s not the coffee, it’s your nose!
3. Sinus Infections Galore
   Persistent nasal inflammation can block sinus drainage, leading to sinusitis. This can cause headaches, pressure, and a never-ending stream of mucus that feels like it’s trying to drown you. If your nose starts feeling like it belongs in a horror film, it might be time to see a doctor.
4. The Nose Knows: MCAS and Long COVID
   If you’re dealing with constant nasal symptoms, MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) might be the culprit. This condition causes your immune system’s mast cells to overreact, releasing histamines that cause swelling, congestion, and sinus pressure. Unlike typical seasonal allergies, this histamine release can happen without external triggers. So, if nasal treatments aren’t working, MCAS might be the sneaky culprit causing your woes.

Keeping Your Nose Clean and Comfortable

While there’s no magic fix, here are some simple strategies I have been using:

1. Saline Nasal Irrigation
   Using a neti pot or saline spray helps flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants, improving airflow and reducing congestion.This is my favorite, It’s like giving your nose a relaxing spa day.
2. Humidifiers: Your Nasal Bestie
   Dry air equals unhappy sinuses. Using a humidifier in your home keeps the air moist, preventing further irritation and helping you breathe easier. Your nose will thank you, and you might even sleep better too.
3. Avoid Irritants
   Strong perfumes, smoke, and dust can make things worse, especially if you’re battling parosmia. Keeping your environment allergen-free can help prevent nasal flare-ups, and give your nose the peace it desperately craves. Air purifier can help more than what you think.
4. Nebulizers: Breathing Aid
   Nebulizers can also be a useful tool. By turning liquid medication into a fine mist, they help deliver medication directly into your airways, easing congestion and improving airflow. It’s like giving your nasal passages a deep clean, but on a whole other level. It is quiet common in Italy I think it is a bit less common in the UK.

Diagnostics and Treatments to Consider

If your nasal symptoms are significantly affecting your life, it might be time to see a doctor. They may suggest:

• Nasal Endoscopy: A tiny camera checks for blockages or inflammation inside your nose.
• Smell and Taste Tests: These assess damage to your olfactory system and help determine if smell training might help.
• Steroid Sprays: To reduce inflammation and improve airflow.
• Olfactory Training: Yes, it’s a real thing! Sniffing oils like rose or eucalyptus may retrain your sense of smell over time. So, put on your best sniffing face—it’s part of the healing process.

Nitric Oxide: The Nose’s Unsung HeLPER

Nitric oxide (NO) is a natural gas your body produces to help keep things running smoothly. It widens blood vessels and boosts blood flow, but recent studies also suggest it has antiviral properties, potentially helping reduce the viral load of COVID-19. For severe COVID cases, inhaled nitric oxide has shown promise in improving oxygen levels and easing long-term symptoms.

When to Call in the Professionals

If your nasal symptoms worsen or come with fever, pain, or thick discharge, it’s time to see a doctor. Persistent anosmia or parosmia that disrupts your daily life deserves professional attention, too.

Final Thoughts: Breathe Easy Again

Long COVID’s nasal symptoms are no joke, but they don’t have to control your life. Simple remedies and professional treatments can help clear your breathing and maybe even bring back that lovely morning coffee smell (without the rotten egg surprise).

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any medical concerns.