Inclusion criteria
hyposmia, anosmia, Olfactory dysfunction
OLFACTORY DYSFUNCTION, DYSFUNCTION
Eligible participants for this study included outpatients, ages 18–60 years, with a confirmed history of COVID-19 (verified by positive nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2, analyzed by RT-PCR testing), and presence of persistent anosmia or persistent hyposmia. Olfactory dysfunction was evaluated based on a reduced odor identification score using the Sniffin’ Sticks psychophysical test. Persistent olfactory dysfunction was defined as an odor identification score < 14 that persisted for > 180 days (6 months) after a subsequent negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal swab. Prior to taking part in the study, individuals were counseled regarding the study, including the option to decline or withdraw at any time.