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Published on: November 10, 2023
Olfactory disorder in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2
Yung-Feng Yen1, Hsin-Hao Lai2, Shang-Yih Chan3
1Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Yangming Branch, 105, Yusheng St., Shilin Dist., Taipei City, 111, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei, 112, Taiwan; Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.
Sixty percent of COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory disorders like anosmia or hyposmia. Fortunately, all affected patients fully recovered from their sense of smell loss within approximately 11 days.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction is a recognized symptom of COVID-19.
- Understanding the prevalence and recovery patterns of smell disorders in COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of olfactory disorders in patients with COVID-19.
- To document the types of olfactory dysfunction and their recovery timelines.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of five patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was assessed.
- Prevalence of olfactory symptoms (anosmia, hyposmia) was recorded.
- Recovery duration for olfactory disorders was tracked.
Main Results:
- Three out of five (60%) patients with COVID-19 reported olfactory disorders.
- Two patients presented with anosmia at symptom onset; one developed hyposmia four days post-onset.
- All patients with olfactory dysfunction achieved complete recovery.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory disorder is a common occurrence in COVID-19 patients.
- Smell dysfunction associated with COVID-19 appears to be transient and reversible.
- Prompt recovery of olfactory function suggests a generally favorable prognosis for this symptom.
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