Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025

Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
[Subjective evaluation of smell and taste dysfunction in patients with mild COVID-19 in Spain]
Elisabeth Ninchritz-Becerra1, María Montserrat Soriano-Reixach1, Miguel Mayo-Yánez2
1Task Force COVID-19 of the Young-Otolaryngologists of the International Federations of Oto-rhino-laryngological Societies (YO-IFOS); Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, España.
Background:
Has been described the loss of smell and taste as onset symptoms in SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence in Spain.
Methods:
Prospective study of COVID-19 confirmed patients through RT-PCR in Spain. Patients completed olfactory and gustatory questionnaires.
Results:
A total of 1043 patients with mild COVID-19 disease. The mean age was 39±12 years. 826 patients (79.2%) described smell disorder, 662 (63.4%) as a total loss and 164 (15.7%) partial. 718 patients (68.8%) noticed some grade of taste dysfunction. There was a significant association between both disorders (p<.001). The olfactory dysfunction was the first symptom in 17.1%. The sQOD-NS scores were significantly lower in patients with a total loss compare to normosmic or hyposmic individuals (p=.001). Female were significantly more affected by olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (p<.001). The early olfactory recover in 462 clinically cured patients was 315 (68.2%), during the first 4 weeks.
Conclusion:
The sudden onset smell and/or taste dysfunction should be considered highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...
Taste Buds and Receptors
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...

