Covid-19 is defined by an association of multiple symptoms, including frequently reported olfactory and gustatory disorders.
The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of these neurosensory impairments in patients with Covid-19 and to assess short-term recovery.
A multicenter case series study was performed during the Covid-19 epidemic. All patients presenting an RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. A phone interview was conducted 5 days after the positive PCR result to analyze the prevalence and features of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions.
In total there were 115 patients were included in our study. Out of them, only 81 patients reported olfactory and gustatory disorders without nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea. These impairments were more frequently reported in the female population, young people, and house-bound patients with mild symptomatic forms. The median recovery time was 15 days after olfactory or gustatory symptom onset.
The study concluded through its findings that olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to Covid-19 are frequently reported and prevalent in mild symptomatic forms of the disease. Recovery in most cases seems rapid and complete.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892420930954
