Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Published on: November 7, 2020
Smell and taste disorders during COVID-19 outbreak: Cross-sectional study on 355 patients
Valeria Dell'Era1, Filippo Farri1, Giacomo Garzaro2
1ENT Division, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
Background:
As reported by increasing literature, a significant number of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection developed smell/taste disorders. Aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and severity of these symptoms among laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients. Secondary objective is to determine their onset/recovery time.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10 to 30, 2020 at Novara University Hospital during the COVID-19 Italian outbreak. The 355 enrolled patients answered a questionnaire at 14th (or more) days after proven infection.
Results:
The overall population prevalence of both smell/taste or one of the two disorders was 70%. They were first symptoms in 31 (8,7%) patients. Most patients reported a complete loss that in half of the cases (49.5%) was fully recovered after 14 days, with a median recovery time of 10 days.
Conclusion:
This study confirms a high prevalence of smell/taste disorders in COVID-19 infection with self-recovery for half cases after about 2 weeks.
Related Concept Videos
Taste Buds and Receptors
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...
The Physiology of Taste
The Tongue and Taste Buds
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...

