Chewing gum restores dad's taste and smell years after Covid
A recent pilot study from the University of Nottingham demonstrates that specially formulated chewing gum can restore taste and smell for COVID long-haulers, sparking hope for millions. This story immediately resonated with the Hacker News community, many of whom have personally experienced or know someone affected by persistent chemosensory loss. The discussion quickly turned to the practicalities of obtaining such a product and the underlying neurological mechanisms at play.
The Lowdown
A novel clinical trial at the University of Nottingham has shown promising results in restoring the senses of taste and smell for individuals who lost them after contracting COVID-19. Dr. Paul Wicks, a 44-year-old medical researcher, regained his chemosensory abilities after two years of impairment by participating in a 12-week trial involving specially formulated chewing gum.
- The pilot study, designed by Dr. Nicole Yang, involved participants chewing gums with super-strength, flavor-changing profiles (spicy, minty, sour, sweet) for 12 weeks.
- Dr. Wicks reported significant improvement after six weeks, regaining his ability to taste food like blueberries and smell environmental cues, including less pleasant ones like dog waste.
- The decentralized trial (conducted from home) aimed to encourage the repair of brain connections associated with smell and taste.
- Among the 16 participants, 67% reported improved smell and 83% reported improved taste.
- The research team is now seeking funding for a larger-scale trial.
This breakthrough offers a beacon of hope for countless individuals worldwide who continue to suffer from persistent anosmia and ageusia, significantly impacting their quality of life.
The Gossip
Eager for the Elixir
Many commenters, including those who recently suffered from COVID-related taste/smell loss, expressed an immediate desire to purchase and try these specialized chewing gums. They shared their frustrations with muted senses and the hope this treatment offers for a return to normal sensory perception.
Sensory Science & Specifics
The discussion delved into the nuances of taste vs. smell and how COVID impacts them. Commenters questioned why "spiciness" (capsaicin) perception might be lost, as it's typically considered a pain sensation rather than taste. Personal anecdotes highlighted varied experiences, such as heightened smell but lost spiciness perception, or unaffected heat but lost taste.
Personal Pathways to Recovery
Several individuals shared their own long and often incomplete recovery journeys from post-viral chemosensory loss, noting that it wasn't exclusively a COVID phenomenon. Some offered alternative anecdotal remedies or observations, such as "smell therapy" being similar to the gum's mechanism, or the potential for nerve repair through supplements like Lion's Mane or B complex vitamins.