Management of Persistent Coronavirus Disease 2019-Related Olfactory Dysfunction in the United Kingdom: A National Survey of Rhinology Practice, Prognosis and Treatments

The UK management of persistent coronavirus disease 2019 olfactory dysfunction (C19OD) remains unclear. The magnitude of the problem is also unknown.The objective of this study is to quantify the prevalence of persistent C19OD, evaluate management practices, and track patient outcomes from referral to discharge.A nationwide online survey of UK rhinology clinicians examined clinical assessment, treatment, follow-up, referral patterns, and prevalence. Responses were analyzed descriptively.Sixty-eight percent of clinicians responded. Most patients with persistent C19OD were managed in general Otolaryngology clinics (60.9%), with limited access to specialist smell services (8.7%). Formal olfactory testing was uncommon (15.8%) and nearly half of clinicians performed no structured assessment. Smell training and intranasal corticosteroids were the most frequent treatments. A total of 62% of treated patients continued to have persistent C19OD and were discharged home without a further treatment plan.UK management of persistent C19OD remains inconsistent with only 15.8% being formally tested for their smell loss. A total of 62% of treated patients remained symptomatic with persistent C19OD and subsequently discharged home without a treatment plan. Improved access to standardized tertiary referral centres is recommended enabling better access to novel treatments.