On the nose: Duke researcher uncovers link between long COVID and loss of smell

A Duke University scientist said he's learned the reason for the loss of smell during long COVID.

The discovery comes at a time when COVID sufferers are trying to shake fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath.

However, long after some COVID patients walk out of the hospital doors, they're still struggling.

But now Duke has provided some insight as to what’s causing the long recovery.

"I have good and bad days," said Becky Babel, who suffers from long COVID. "Some days are good and some days are not.”

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Doctors diagnosed Babel with COVID-19 in February of 2021.

Just two weeks away until the start of 2023, she’s still struggling. She’s still tired and her ability to taste and smell has decreased.

“There are days I have a hard time getting out of the bed," Babel said. "I have no energy level.”

Dr. Brad Goldstein at Duke University researched why long COVID is happening, specifically the loss of smell.

The study took 24 biopsies from the nose of nine people suffering long COVID. During the process the team found a consistency.

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“There seems to be some unresolved inflammation in that area of the nose that we believe is disrupting the smell process,” said Dr. Goldstein.

Dr. Goldstein says the next step in the research process is to identify drugs that can decrease the inflammation in the nose.

The bigger picture is that the research could be used to address other long COVID symptoms like brain fog, shortness of breath and fatigue.

“If there is a cure out there I would be all for it,” said Babel, who wants to finish her graduate degree and get back to being a teacher full-time.

The WRAL Data Trackers analyzed CDC information and found that women are more likely than men to experience long COVID across the country. In North Carolina, about three out of every 10 adults who had COVID is currently experiencing long COVID symptoms. And 9 percent of those with long COVID say they've had significant activity limitations since contracting it.