Photobiomodulation therapy for treatment olfactory and taste dysfunction COVID-19-related: A case report

J Biophotonics. 2022 Aug;15(8):e202200058. doi: 10.1002/jbio.202200058. Epub 2022 May 17.

Abstract

It is postulated that the inflammatory process resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection is the main cause of smell and taste dysfunctions in patients. In view of this, photobiomodulation, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, may be a promising therapeutic modality to treat these disorders. In the present case report, we observed clinical improvement in the symptoms of anosmia and ageusia related to COVID-19 after treatment with photobiomodulation. Due to the inflammatory nature of COVID-19 and the anti-inflammatory effects, photobiomodulation antioxidants already proven in the literature make it a promising therapeutic modality, especially sequela COVID-related, including olfactory (anosmia) and taste (ageusia) dysfunction. In the present case report, the patient's olfactory and gustatory functions were re-established after 10 treatment sessions with photobiomodulation.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; lasers; low-level light therapy; olfactory perception; taste perception.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ageusia* / etiology
  • Anosmia
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Low-Level Light Therapy*
  • Olfaction Disorders* / complications
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Smell
  • Taste Disorders / complications