top of page

BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #86

The Effects of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 on Smell and the Immune Response

with Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki

In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki, president of Associazione Naso Sano, discusses his research and his experience as a rhinologist with SARS-CoV-2 and its effect on the olfactory system.

Be part of the conversation. Put your sponsored messaging on this episode. Learn how.

The Effects of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 on Smell and the Immune Response with Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Ep 86 The Effects of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 on Smell and the Immune Response with Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2023, January 24). Ep. 86 – The Effects of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 on Smell and the Immune Response [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

Stay Up To Date

Follow:

Subscribe:

Sign Up:

Podcast Contributors

Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki discusses The Effects of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 on Smell and the Immune Response on the BackTable 86 Podcast

Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki

Dr. Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki is a practicing otolaryngologist in Italy and the founder of Naso Sano.

Dr. Gopi Shah discusses The Effects of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 on Smell and the Immune Response on the BackTable 86 Podcast

Dr. Gopi Shah

Dr. Gopi Shah is a pediatric otolaryngologist and the co-host of BackTable ENT.

Synopsis

First, Dr. Dehgani-Mobaraki explains the goals of the Associazione Naso Sano, which is to provide community education about rhinologic conditions, distribute research grants to young researchers, and host international grand rounds. Then, he discusses his own experience with SARS-CoV-2. He was infected with the virus in early 2020 and could not be tested because he had no upper respiratory symptoms, only anosmia. He also reflects on the research he did in 2020, which focused on immune adaptation after infection. His research group discovered that there was a strong relationship between antibody production and smell loss. He notes that later variants of the virus became more infectious, but not more lethal. After December 2021, he noticed that the virus mutations led to a different pathway of generating symptoms, resulting in more upper respiratory symptoms and less anosmia. Furthermore, he reminds listeners that smell and taste disorders are not unique to SARS-CoV-2 and can be triggered by Parkinson disease, Alzhiemer disease, brain trauma, and nasal polyposis.

Next, he speaks about his personal experience with treating patients with anosmia. Usually, COVID patients will regain their sense of smell any time from 20 days to 6 months after infection. However, some patients experience longer lasting parosmia, an altered quality of smell, and phantosmia, the perception of smell without stimulus. He notes that these symptoms can be difficult and distressing to patients. Smell and taste disorders can lead to weight loss and psychological disturbances, as these two senses are integral to community formation and pleasure. Although some patients can self-train to live with altered smell and taste, some may require medical consultation for a structured smell re-training plan or medications, such as oral steroids, PRP injections, zinc, or alpha-lipoic acid. Finally, Dr. Dehgani-Mobaraki speaks about his most recent research project, which may suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can reactivate Epstein Barr virus through autoimmune pathways.

Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

backtable-plus-vi-cta.jpg
Become a BackTable Sponsor

Up Next

Trailblazers in ENT: Otolaryngology, Politics & Patient Advocacy  with Dr. K.J. Lee on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Identifying Parathyroid Glands: Challenges & Innovations  with Dr. Michael Singer on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Advances in Early Glottic Cancer Treatment Options with Dr. Bharat Panuganti on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Advanced Techniques in Facial Reanimation  with Dr. Myriam Loyo Li and Dr. Shiayin Yang on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Trailblazers in ENT: Stories from House Clinic  with Dr. John House on the BackTable ENT Podcast)
Balloon Sinuplasty: Evolution, Efficacy & Expert Insights with Dr. Ayesha Khalid on the BackTable ENT Podcast)

Articles

Topics

Learn about Rhinology on BackTable ENT

Get in touch!

We want to hear from you. Let us know if you’re interested in partnering with BackTable as a Podcast guest, a sponsor, or as a member of the BackTable Team.

Select which show(s) you would like to subscribe to:

Thanks! Message sent.

bottom of page