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Persisting chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 - a cross-sectional population-based survey
S Winkelmann1, A Korth1, B Voss1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kiel University, University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
Rhinology
|November 2, 2022
Summary
Chemosensory dysfunction, including smell and taste changes, is common after SARS-CoV-2 infection and can persist for months. These olfactory dysfunctions should be recognized as a key symptom of Long-COVID.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Chemosensory dysfunction (CD) is a frequent symptom of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- The long-term persistence of smell, taste, and chemesthesis changes post-infection requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and duration of chemosensory dysfunction in individuals following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To assess olfactory, gustatory, and trigeminal function objectively in a large cohort of infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 667 PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infected adults in Germany.
- Data collected via questionnaires, visual analogue scales (VAS), Sniffin Sticks test (SST) for olfactory function, taste strips (TS) for gustatory function, and ammonia testing for trigeminal function.
- Comparison of objective test results with healthy controls.
Main Results:
- 9.1 months post-infection, 45.6% reported persistent subjective olfactory dysfunction (OD) and 36.2% subjective gustatory dysfunction (GD).
- Objective testing revealed olfactory dysfunction in 34.6%, gustatory dysfunction in 7.3%, and impaired trigeminal function in 1.8% of participants.
- Mean olfactory function (TDI score) was significantly lower in infected individuals compared to controls, with associations between subjective and objective OD and GD.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory dysfunction prevalence remains significantly elevated approximately nine months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD) should be considered a defining symptom of Long-COVID.
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