ARIZONA NEWS

Valley doctor skeptical of TikTok trend to regain taste, smell

Jan 6, 2021, 4:35 AM | Updated: 7:07 am

(TikTok/jorimezuda)...

(TikTok/jorimezuda)

(TikTok/jorimezuda)

PHOENIX – With a lingering loss of smell and taste following a COVID-19 diagnosis, many are desperate enough to restore their senses with trends seen on TikTok.

The “TikTok witchery” shows an open flame charring an orange and the users eating the flesh.

Videos published through the popular social media platform show burning an orange, peeling off the black peel, then mixing the fruit with a spoonful of brown sugar.

After the concoction is created and eaten it’s supposed to brings back senses of smell and taste.

Despite what some TikTokers may say, one Valley emergency room physician is not sold on the concept. Rather, he thinks it’s a result of some of the senses in your body still working behind the scenes.

“This is only because you do have some degree of smell left, so all that you’re actually doing is just smelling it,” Dr. Frank LoVecchio with Valleywise Health told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Up to 80% of people who test positive for COVID-19 report a loss of smell or taste. Most patients first notice problems with their sense of smell, but because smell helps you taste flavor, the symptoms are often connected.

“If you put something very obnoxious in your nose that smells really bad, you will smell it if there is any degree of smell left,” LoVecchio said. “So, it doesn’t make it better by any means.”

Although it’s still unclear why exactly coronavirus can take away the sense of smell and taste, LoVecchio believes one possibility is the congestion and drainage that can block odor’s ability to reach the smell nerve.

He described nasal steroids as a possible remedy for symptoms like congestion and allergies. Although there is no definite way to revive your senses after COVID-19, LoVecchio reports most people regain their senses of smell and taste.

About a quarter of COVID-19 patients are said to regain their senses in two weeks. The remainder regain smell and taste after about three weeks after their diagnosis.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Construction zones on metro Phoenix freeways...

Kevin Stone

Closures scheduled for parts of US 60, I-17 and Loop 202 this weekend

Halloween is in the rear-view mirror, but freeway construction zones could cause nightmares for Valley drivers this weekend.

43 minutes ago

AZ Political Podcast...

Jim Sharpe

AZ Political Podcast: Chuck Coughlin predicts the 2024 election in Arizona

Chuck Coughlin joins this episode of AZ Political Podcast and discusses the surprises of the election season and makes some predictions.

1 hour ago

Rain phoenix weekend forecast...

Kevin Stone

Cold front expected to bring rain to Valley this weekend, but not a downpour

The Valley could see rain this weekend, but if you're hoping for widespread showers you'll probably be disappointed.

3 hours ago

Arizona polling presidential senate races...

Kevin Stone

New Arizona polling shows presidential tossup, with Senate race getting tighter

Arizona polling conducted the week before Election Day shows the presidential race as a tossup and the U.S. Senate race getting tighter.

4 hours ago

Donald Trump Liz Cheney...

Associated Press

During interview in Arizona, Donald Trump calls Liz Cheney ‘war hawk’ and ‘deranged’

At an event in Arizona with Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump was asked whether it is strange to see Liz Cheney campaign against him.

6 hours ago

Follow @Ali_Vetnar...

Sponsored Content by Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Sponsored Articles

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

...

Sanderson Ford

3 storylines to get you revved up for the 2024 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals training camp is just a couple weeks away starting on July 25, and Sanderson Ford is revved up and ready to go.

Valley doctor skeptical of TikTok trend to regain taste, smell