Smell loss may be best sign of COVID-19, research confirms
Loss of smell may be the best predictor of COVID-19 among patients with symptoms of respiratory diseases, according to new research. The findings of two international studies, published in the journal Chemical Senses, show that there is frequent loss of smell in COVID-19 patients which often lasts longer. Over 4,500 COVID-19 patients from a total of 23 nationalities responded to the researchers' questionnaire.
Study showed the importance of this symptom
The average loss of smell was 79.7 on a scale from 0-100, indicating a large to complete sensory loss. "This emphasizes how important it is to be aware of this symptom, as it may be the only symptom of the disease," said Alexander Wieck Fjaeldstad from Aarhus University, Denmark. Only around half of the patients got their sense of smell back after 40 days.
Loss of smell causes long term discomfort in patients
"This differs from the picture we see with other viral infections and causes long-term discomfort for patients, both in relation to food and social contact, while at the same time causing them to worry," Fjaeldstad added.
Researchers say sense of taste also reduced significantly
Researchers found that the sense of taste was also significantly reduced, to 69.0 on the same scale, adding the remaining sense of feeling in the mouth was also reduced to 37.3 on a scale from 0-100. Fjaeldstad said that the simultaneous loss of other senses, besides the loss of smell, can make it difficult for the patient to register what they are eating.
Study shows that loss of smell is specific to COVID-19
The study is of interest to both patients as well as clinicians and researchers who work with diagnostics and following-up on COVID-19 cases. "It shows that the loss of smell is specific to COVID-19, which is both relevant in relation to recognizing the infection, and because it indicates that the sense of smell is closely linked to how SARS-CoV-2 infects the body," Fjaeldstad said.
It will help future studies revolving around permanent sensory loss
Previously, researchers have based the correlation between COVID-19 and the loss of the chemical senses on smaller studies. "The results are in line with our own national studies and pave the way for future studies on risk factors for permanent sensory loss, along with a better understanding of the consequences of these sensory losses for the patients," Fjaeldstad added.
