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Olfactory and Taste Dysfunction in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Meenesh Juvekar1,2, Baisali Sarkar3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Grant Medical College and J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai and Bombay Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra India.
Summary
Olfactory and taste dysfunction are key indicators of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Early detection through screening these symptoms aids in isolating positive patients and preventing further transmission.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Olfactory and taste dysfunction are increasingly recognized as significant symptoms of coronavirus disease.
- Early identification of these sensory dysfunctions can aid in disease containment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between olfactory and taste dysfunction and coronavirus disease.
- To emphasize the importance of these symptoms for early detection and isolation of COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India.
- Data was collected from COVID-19 positive patients confirmed by rRT-PCR with olfactory and/or taste disorders.
- A control group was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Anosmia (loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste) were prevalent in both study and control groups.
- The study population showed a higher recovery rate for anosmia (94.6%) and ageusia (88.6%) compared to the control group.
- Anosmia was the most prominent symptom, often improving to hyposmia (reduced smell).
Conclusions:
- Olfactory and taste dysfunction are critical clinical features of COVID-19.
- Screening all patients with smell or taste disorders for coronavirus is recommended for early detection, especially in asymptomatic cases.
- Prompt identification can help break the chain of disease transmission.
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