Q What stages does Korean medicine use to treat post-COVID smell disorder?
A Post-COVID conditions proceed in three stages: removing heat toxin, restoring vital energy, and regenerating the mucosa. For the first 1 to 2 weeks, heat-clearing detoxifying prescriptions address remaining heat toxin; then lung- and qi-tonifying prescriptions restore the depleted vital energy while creating an environment for nasal mucosal regeneration. Olfactory training is combined throughout this entire process.
Detailed Answer
Here are the three stages of Dongjedang's Korean medicine treatment for post-COVID smell disorder.
Stage 1 (1 to 2 weeks): Removing heat toxin
- Heat-clearing detoxifying (cheongyeol-haedok) prescriptions - addressing remaining viral heat toxin and inflammatory residue
- Focus on reducing acute swelling of the nasal mucosa
- Recommend sufficient fluids and rest
Stage 2 (2 to 8 weeks): Restoring vital energy
- Lung-tonifying and qi-boosting (bopye-ikgi) prescriptions - restoring depleted lung qi and systemic vital energy
- Replenishing mucosal fluids and improving nasal blood flow
- Begin combining olfactory training
Stage 3 (from 8 weeks): Maintaining mucosal regeneration
- Passage-opening (tonggyu) prescriptions to maintain nasal airflow
- Continue olfactory training (at least 12 weeks total)
- Maintenance visits once every two weeks
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
The timing of each stage transition is adjusted according to the patient's physical condition and degree of smell improvement. Because the speed of physical recovery and the speed of smell improvement can differ, we manage this flexibly.
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