[Olfactory dysfunction and COVID-19 - current state of the problem]

According to data from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, USA, France, from 17 to 87% of patients with confirmed COVID-19 have a violation of smell and taste. Acute sudden anosmia may precede symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. Also, hypo/anosmia may be the only symptom of mild COVID-19. European, American and domestic associations of otorhinolaryngologists warn that, these patients may be hidden carriers that contribute to the spread of COVID-19 infection, because they have no indications for testing for the virus and self-isolation. Including anosmia in the criteria for self-isolation can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. In addition, it would signal the medical staff to use full personal protection when dealing with these patients and help reduce the number of infected doctors. It is known that olfactory disorders can be conductive, perceptual or mixed. Olfactory disturbances in COVID-19 are most likely of a perceptual nature. Although, at the moment, there is insufficient data to determine the exact mechanisms of the onset of anosmia in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, however, there are studies that confirm these or those theories. The article provides an overview of the data available in the literature on this topic.