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The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...

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Author Spotlight: Assessing the Olfactory Effects of Airborne Pollutants — Buried Food and Social Odor Tests

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Published on: September 13, 2024

Mechanisms of COVID-19-associated olfactory dysfunction.

Koping Chang^1,2, Thomas Zaikos¹, Nicholas Kilner-Pontone¹

¹Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology

|February 29, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

COVID-19 commonly caused smell loss, but Omicron variants reduced incidence. Persistent olfactory dysfunction remains a concern due to complex mechanisms affecting the olfactory system.

Keywords:

COVID-19 anosmia olfactory dysfunction smell loss

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Area of Science:

Neurology
Infectious Diseases
Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

Olfactory dysfunction is a hallmark symptom of COVID-19, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
While less common with Omicron variants, persistent smell and taste disorders remain a significant health issue.
Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively review the epidemiology of COVID-19-associated olfactory dysfunction.
To describe the clinical manifestations of smell and taste disorders post-COVID-19.
To summarize current knowledge on the pathogenic mechanisms of olfactory dysfunction.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction.
Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical case reports.
Synthesis of research on viral impact on the olfactory system.

Main Results:

Olfactory dysfunction was highly prevalent early in the pandemic but decreased with Omicron variants.
Mechanisms include sustentacular cell infection, inflammation, and potential long-term effects on olfactory neurons and brain regions.
Persistent dysosmia and dysgeusia highlight the need for continued research.

Conclusions:

COVID-19-associated olfactory dysfunction, though less frequent now, presents complex and multifactorial pathogenic mechanisms.
Both acute and persistent forms require further investigation to address ongoing patient concerns.
This review provides a foundation for understanding and managing long-term olfactory deficits.