Gustatory Dysfunction as an Early Symptom in COVID-19 Screening.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with diverse symptoms including fever, cough, and dyspnea.
• Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (taste and smell disturbances) are increasingly recognized as COVID-19 symptoms, particularly in European populations.
• Taste disturbances are associated with various oral and systemic conditions, necessitating differentiation in the context of COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze existing studies on taste disturbances as a potential early symptom of COVID-19.
• To evaluate the reliability of taste dysfunction for early COVID-19 screening.
• To highlight the significance of sudden taste changes as a COVID-19 indicator.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating taste disturbances in COVID-19 patients.
• Analysis of symptom onset and severity in relation to COVID-19 diagnosis.
• Comparison of taste disturbances in COVID-19 positive versus negative individuals.

Main Results:

• Taste disturbances present with varying severity and onset in COVID-19 patients.
• A sudden onset of taste disturbance, without an apparent cause, is a significant indicator for COVID-19 suspicion.
• Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions are emerging as key symptoms, especially in certain demographics.

Conclusions:

• Sudden taste disturbances can serve as a reliable early symptom for screening COVID-19.
• Increased awareness of taste dysfunction as a COVID-19 symptom is crucial for timely diagnosis and public health response.
• Further research is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms and prevalence of taste disturbances in COVID-19.