Coronavirus Impact on Taste Sensation: Reasons Behind It and Prospects of Recovery
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, one lesser-known yet significant symptom has emerged: the sudden loss of taste and smell. This peculiar symptom, often happening in the absence of allergies or chronic nasal conditions, could be an early sign of COVID-19 infection.
According to recent studies, about 50% to over 65% of COVID-19 patients experience impairment in smell and/or taste during their illness. One study of health professionals found that around 70% of COVID-positive participants reported such alterations.
The duration of this olfactory and taste dysfunction varies greatly. In the acute phase of COVID-19 infection, symptoms typically last from about 5 to 14 days. However, for some individuals, these impairments persist, becoming part of "Long COVID" symptoms. A longitudinal study found that at 6-12 months post-infection, about 20% of patients still had smell/taste dysfunction. At 2 years, this figure dropped to 13%, and at 3 years, to 10%. Even at 5 years post-infection, 7.6% of patients had ongoing chemosensory impairment, with a small fraction experiencing complete loss of smell (anosmia).
While recovery rates improve over time, some people can have long-lasting or even irreversible dysfunction, emphasising the importance of recognition and ongoing research into treatments.
Loss of taste and smell often occurs early in the illness, around days 2 to 5, and are considered key COVID-19 symptoms, although they may be less frequent with some variants like Omicron.
Other symptoms to look out for, in addition to a loss of taste and smell, include a cough, sore throat, congestion, tiredness, head and body aches, fever or chills, and shortness of breath. A full recovery of taste and smell after COVID-19 may take several months. At 2 months, 75-80% of people had regained their taste and smell, with 95% having regained these senses at 6 months.
For those struggling with a loss of taste and smell, joining online support groups and forums can be beneficial. Smell training, involving smelling four scents for about 20 seconds each per day, may also help with the recovery of the sense of smell.
When it comes to meals, focusing on the temporary nature of the loss of taste and smell can help when feeling overwhelmed. Steps can be taken to make meals more exciting, such as using strong seasoning and checking for differences in flavours. If a person has recently lost their sense of taste or smell and wants medical advice, they should call their doctor and speak with them over the phone.
One theory suggests that SARS-CoV-2 causes inflammation inside the nose that leads to a loss of olfactory or smell neurons. Anyone who notices changes in their sense of taste or smell should start self-isolating and get a COVID-19 test. Losing taste and smell can lead to changes in body weight due to a change in food preferences.
In summary, sudden loss of taste or smell is a common and characteristic symptom of COVID-19, affecting over half of patients at some point. While many recover within weeks, a notable subset experiences long-term taste and smell dysfunction lasting months to years. It is crucial to remain vigilant, seek medical advice when necessary, and continue supporting ongoing research into treatments for this debilitating symptom.
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