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Smell and taste dysfunction during the COVID-19 outbreak: a preliminary report
Matteo Gelardi1, Eleonora Trecca2, Michele Cassano3
1. gelardim@inwind.it.
Acta Bio-Medica : Atenei Parmensis
|May 19, 2020
Summary
New coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2) causes a loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (dysgeusia) that often precedes respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 patients. These sensory changes appear temporary and self-resolving.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Clusters of pneumonia of unknown cause reported in Wuhan, China in late 2019.
- Novel coronavirus, now identified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), identified as the causative agent.
- Anosmia (loss of smell) and dysgeusia (loss of taste) reported as notable symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of sensory symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
- To determine if anosmia and dysgeusia precede respiratory symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of a series of COVID-19 patients.
- Observation and documentation of symptom onset, including sensory and respiratory complaints.
Main Results:
- Anosmia and dysgeusia were frequently observed.
- These sensory symptoms often preceded the onset of respiratory complaints, acting as "sentinel" symptoms.
- Anosmia and dysgeusia appeared to be short-lived and self-resolving in the studied patients.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential neurotoxic effect or rapidly resolving cytopathic damage by SARS-CoV-2.
- Anosmia and dysgeusia can serve as early warning signs for COVID-19.
- Further research is warranted to understand the precise mechanisms behind these sensory disturbances.
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