Subjective smell and taste changes during the COVID-19 pandemic: Short term recovery

Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 Nov-Dec;41(6):102639. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102639. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many individuals have reported acute loss of smell and taste. In order to better characterize all patients with these symptoms, a longitudinal national survey was created. Since April 10, 2020, 549 completed the initial survey, with 295 completing 14-day, and 202 completing 1-month follow up surveys. At 1-month follow-up, 71.8% reported a return to "very good" or "good" smell, and 84.2% reported a return to "very good" or "good" taste. Chemosensory changes are a cardinal sign of COVID-19. Fortunately, our data, representing a large longitudinal study of patients experiencing smell and taste losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicates that the majority appear to recover within a month.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Epidemiology; Recovery; Smell; Taste.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Olfaction Disorders / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Recovery of Function
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Self Report
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taste Disorders / virology*