PRP Therapy for Loss of Smell and Taste

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is prepared from a sample of the patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets in a smaller volume of plasma. Platelets contain growth factors and other signaling molecules involved in tissue repair. Researchers are investigating whether these components may help support recovery in certain disorders affecting the olfactory system. For smell dysfunction, PRP is administered within the nasal cavity near the olfactory region under a clinician’s direction. The intended goal is to improve olfactory function in selected patients with persistent smell loss. PRP is not the same as a medication that directly restores the sense of smell, and its precise mechanism of action in olfactory disorders is not fully established. It should not be described as a proven cure or as a treatment that regenerates damaged olfactory nerves in every patient.

Smell and taste are closely connected, but they are different sensory functions. The tongue detects five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory. The sense of smell contributes substantially to flavor, allowing people to distinguish the aromas and flavors of foods and beverages. When smell function is impaired, food may seem bland even when the ability to detect basic tastes remains intact. This is why people who report losing their sense of taste may actually have an underlying smell disorder.

Anosmia and Hyposmia

Anosmia is the complete loss of the sense of smell. Hyposmia is a reduced ability to detect odors. Other smell disorders include parosmia, in which familiar odors smell distorted, and phantosmia, in which a person perceives an odor without an identifiable source. Correctly identifying the type of dysfunction is important because the cause, evaluation, and treatment options may differ.

Smell dysfunction can occur when inflammation or obstruction prevents odors from reaching the olfactory region, or when the sensory structures and nerve pathways involved in smell are affected.

Loss of Smell After COVID-19 or Another Viral Infection

Respiratory viruses can disrupt normal smell function. COVID-19 is a recognized cause of anosmia, hyposmia, and parosmia. Many people recover their sense of smell over time, but some experience persistent symptoms. For these patients, an evaluation can help determine whether ongoing nasal inflammation, post-viral olfactory dysfunction, or another condition may be contributing.

Head Injury

Traumatic injury can affect the olfactory structures or nerve pathways. Recovery varies according to the nature and severity of the injury, and some patients experience long-lasting dysfunction.

Chronic Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps

Inflammation associated with chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps can interfere with the delivery of odor molecules to the olfactory region. When smell loss is associated with nasal inflammation or obstruction, treating the underlying sinus condition may be an important part of management.

Aging and Other Medical Conditions

Smell function can decline with age and may be affected by certain medications, environmental exposures, and neurological conditions. The cause is not always immediately apparent. An ENT evaluation can help determine whether PRP is relevant or whether another treatment or further investigation is more appropriate.

PRP may be considered for selected patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction after an appropriate clinical evaluation. A patient’s suitability depends on the duration and nature of smell loss, the suspected underlying cause, findings from nasal examination and smell testing, previous treatments, and overall health. Before considering PRP, the physician should assess whether a treatable nasal or sinus condition is contributing to the symptoms. Patients whose smell loss is associated with nasal polyps, significant inflammation, or another identifiable condition may require cause-specific treatment. Not everyone with loss of smell is a candidate for PRP. The procedure may also be unsuitable when the available evidence does not support its use for the patient’s particular condition. The consultation should include a discussion of the research, the uncertainty surrounding individual outcomes, potential risks, costs, and alternative approaches.

At New York Sinus Center, the published treatment protocol describes an initial evaluation, two PRP treatment visits, and a follow-up assessment. The exact plan should be confirmed with the practice before treatment.

Step 1: Initial Evaluation

The initial visit may include:

• A review of symptoms, medical history, and the onset of smell loss
• A nasal and sinus examination
• Nasal endoscopy to assess the nasal passages and olfactory region
• Standardized smell testing to establish a baseline
• CT or MRI imaging when indicated by the clinical findings

This assessment helps the physician identify potential causes, evaluate whether PRP may be appropriate, and discuss realistic treatment goals.

Step 2: PRP Preparation and Administration

If the patient is considered an appropriate candidate, a blood sample is collected and processed to prepare the platelet-rich plasma. The published protocol describes numbing the nasal area with a topical anesthetic before administering PRP near the olfactory region. The specific injection technique and treatment details should be explained by the treating physician before the procedure. Patients should receive instructions about what to expect during and after treatment, including any precautions relevant to their medical history.

Step 3: Second Treatment Visit

The practice’s published protocol describes a second PRP treatment approximately one month after the first. The number and timing of treatments should be confirmed during consultation because PRP protocols may vary and the optimal regimen has not been firmly established across all patient groups.

Step 4: Follow-Up and Assessment

A follow-up visit is scheduled approximately three months after the initial treatment under the published protocol. Follow-up may include reviewing symptoms and repeating smell testing to assess changes from baseline. The clinician can discuss whether improvement has occurred, whether additional management is appropriate, and what further follow-up may be needed. Patients should understand that response varies and that some people may experience limited or no improvement.

Clinical research has increasingly investigated intranasal PRP as a treatment for persistent olfactory dysfunction, including smell loss associated with COVID-19 and other causes. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2025 examined seven studies involving 789 patients and reported improvements in measured smell function among participants receiving PRP compared with control groups. Other recent reviews have also reported promising findings. However, these results require careful interpretation. The studies differ in patient selection, treatment protocols, follow-up periods, and outcome measurements. Some evidence comes from relatively small randomized trials, while other evidence comes from nonrandomized studies.

Important questions remain about which patients benefit most, the optimal number and timing of treatments, how long improvements last, and how PRP compares with or adds to established treatments such as olfactory training. PRP should therefore be presented as a promising but still evolving treatment option rather than a guaranteed solution. A physician can review the available evidence and help determine whether the potential benefits justify the cost and procedural risks for an individual patient.

Olfactory training, also called smell training, involves repeatedly smelling selected odors in a structured program over an extended period. It is commonly recommended for persistent smell dysfunction, particularly after viral infections, and may be used whether or not a patient undergoes PRP.

A smell-training program typically involves:

• Selecting a set of distinct, recognizable odors
• Smelling each odor deliberately and repeatedly
• Practicing consistently over several months
• Tracking changes in smell perception over time

The exact program may vary according to the clinician’s recommendations. New York Sinus Center recommends structured smell therapy as part of its published PRP protocol. Patients should ask the treating physician how to perform the exercises, how long to continue them, and how progress will be assessed.

According to the practice’s published information, the PRP procedure costs $1,500 per treatment, and the procedure itself is not covered by insurance. The published protocol describes two treatment sessions, so patients should confirm the total expected treatment cost before proceeding. Based on the listed per-session price, two procedures would total $3,000, excluding any separately billed services. The practice indicates that the initial evaluation and follow-up visits may be billed to insurance as standard ENT visits, depending on coverage and the services provided. Coverage varies by insurance plan, and patients should confirm their individual benefits and financial responsibility directly with the practice.

Before scheduling, ask the office to confirm:

• The current price per PRP session
• The anticipated number of sessions
• Which evaluation and follow-up services are billed separately
• Whether insurance may cover any portion of the associated visits
• The payment policy and any applicable cancellation terms

Prices and coverage policies may change, so verify the current details with the practice.

PRP uses material derived from the patient’s own blood, but this does not mean the procedure is risk-free. Potential risks may include discomfort, irritation, bleeding, or other complications associated with nasal injections. The likelihood of complications depends on the procedure and the individual patient. The physician should explain the specific risks, expected recovery, available alternatives, and circumstances that may make treatment unsuitable. Patients should also understand that:

• PRP does not guarantee recovery of smell or flavor perception.
• Evidence is still developing, and results vary between individuals.
• Treating an underlying sinus condition may be more appropriate in some cases.
• Olfactory training and other cause-specific treatments may still be recommended.
• Follow-up is important for assessing response and determining further care.

An informed treatment decision should take into account the available evidence, the patient’s goals, the costs involved, and the possibility of limited benefit.