The burden of prolonged smell and taste loss in covid-19

Tan, Nicole Kye Wen; Jing-Wen, Claire; Tan, Benjamin Kye Jyn; Han, Ruobing; Zhao, Joseph J; Quah, Emrick Sen Hui; Kelly, Chrissi; Teo, Neville Wei Yang; See, Anna; Toh, Song Tar; Hopkins, Claire

doi:10.1136/bmj.o1895

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…As mentioned previously, disruptions of daily life related to qualitative olfactory dysfunction may cause mental health related problems (e.g., Miwa et al, 2001 ; Croy et al, 2014 ; Elkholi et al, 2021 ; Schäfer et al, 2021 ). Recent data show that individuals experiencing olfactory dysfunction also report a lack of support from the medical field ( Ball et al, 2021 ; Kye Wen Tan et al, 2022 ), providing incentive to further investigate the condition and develop evidence-based treatment specifically targeting qualitative olfactory dysfunction. Moreover, the present study did not exclude, nor control for, participants with long-covid syndrome or other related symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impairment of quality of life due to COVID-19-induced long-term olfactory dysfunction

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

IntroductionOlfactory dysfunction is one of many long-lasting symptoms associated with COVID-19, estimated to affect approximately 60% of individuals and often lasting several months after infection. The associated daily life problems can cause a decreased quality of life.MethodsHere, we assessed the association between perceived quality of life and both qualitative and quantitative olfactory function (distorted and weakened sense of smell, respectively) in 58 individuals who had undergone confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and who complained about olfactory dysfunction.ResultsParticipants with large quantitative olfactory dysfunction experienced a greater reduction in their quality of life. Moreover, our participants had a high prevalence of qualitative olfactory dysfunction (81%) with a significant correlation between qualitative olfactory dysfunction and daily life impairment. Strong drivers of low quality of life assessments were lack of enjoyment of food as well as worries related to coping with long-term dysfunctions.DiscussionThese results stress the clinical importance of assessing qualitative olfactory dysfunction and the need to develop relevant interventions. Given the poor self-rated quality of life observed, healthcare systems should consider developing support structures, dietary advice, and guidelines adapted to individuals experiencing qualitative olfactory dysfunction.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impairment of quality of life due to COVID-19-induced long-term olfactory dysfunction

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…6,7,35 For these reasons, persistent olfactory dysfunction represents an unprecedented health challenge. 8,[36][37][38] To the best of our knowledge, the recovery rate of olfactory function after omicron variant infection has not yet been investigated. The assessment of olfactory recovery should include psychophysical tests because patients often tend to overestimate recovery, especially if they present with complete anosmia at baseline, 1,34 and the follow up should be long enough to detect delayed recoveries that are significantly frequent in the first three months after infection.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Olfactory recovery following omicron variant infection: a psychophysical prospective case–control study with six-month follow up

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of olfactory function at six months in individuals infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 omicron variant, using psychophysical tests. Methods A prospective case–control study that included severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 patients infected in February and March 2022 was conducted. Patients underwent the Sniffin’ Sticks test within 10 days of infection and again after at least 6 months. The olfactory scores were compared with those of a control group. Results In all, 102 patients and 120 controls were enrolled in the study. At baseline, 26 patients (25.5 per cent) self-reported smell loss. The median threshold, discrimination and identification score was 33.6 (interquartile range, 12.5) for the cases and 36.5 (interquartile range, 4.38) for the controls (p < 0.001). Based on the threshold, discrimination and identification scores, 12 controls and 34 patients reported olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.001). Eighty cases underwent re-evaluation at six months; the median threshold, discrimination and identification score was 37.1 (interquartile range, 4.75) with no significant differences compared with the controls. Conclusion Six months after infection, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in patients did not differ significantly from the control population.

show abstract

“…7 For many patients, the prolonged and uncertain nature of OD causes a huge burden on their mental health, with some reporting suicidal thoughts. 11 The detrimental impact of smell and taste dysfunction is further compounded by lack of knowledge of the long-term prognosis, which can also lead patients to report not feeling supported by healthcare practitioners. 8,11 A number of these patients have found support on internet groups of similarly affected people, and here they share their frustration with the lack of knowledge regarding recovery rates, or often misinformation, suggesting that by certain time points, there is little hope of recovery.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The loss of smell and taste hampers the enjoyment of food and drinks, which for some can be debilitating, as activities that were once a source of enjoyment become a chore, leading to depression, anxiety, 10 and even malnutrition 7 . For many patients, the prolonged and uncertain nature of OD causes a huge burden on their mental health, with some reporting suicidal thoughts 11 . The detrimental impact of smell and taste dysfunction is further compounded by lack of knowledge of the long‐term prognosis, which can also lead patients to report not feeling supported by healthcare practitioners 8,11 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recovery rates and long‐term olfactory dysfunction following COVID‐19 infection

Dias,

Shaida,

Haloob

et al. 2024

World j. otorhinolaryngol.-head neck surg.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectivesOlfactory dysfunction is one of the most recognized symptoms of COVID‐19, significantly impacting quality of life, particularly in cases where recovery is prolonged. This review aims to explore patterns of olfactory recovery post‐COVID‐19 infection, with particular focus on delayed recovery.Data SourcesPublished literature in the English language, including senior author's own work, online and social media platforms, and patients' anecdotal reports.MethodA comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken by the authors with guidance from the senior author with expertise in the field of olfaction.ResultsBased on self‐report, an estimated 95% of patients recover their olfactory function within 6 months post‐COVID‐19 infection. However, psychophysical testing detects higher rates of persistent olfactory dysfunction. Recovery has been found to continue for at least 2 years postinfection; negative prognostic indicators include severe olfactory loss in the acute phase, female sex, and older age. Variability in quantitative and qualitative disturbance in prolonged cases likely reflects both peripheral and central pathophysiological mechanisms. Limitations of many of the reviewed studies reflect lack of psychophysical testing and baseline olfactory assessment.ConclusionsPost‐COVID‐19 olfactory dysfunction remains a significant health and psychosocial burden. Emerging evidence is improving awareness and knowledge among clinicians to better support patients through their olfactory rehabilitation, with hope of recovery after several months or years. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying pathogenesis of delayed recovery, identify at risk individuals earlier in the disease course, and develop therapeutic targets.

show abstract

The burden of prolonged smell and taste loss in covid-19

Cited by 6 publications

References 15 publications

Impairment of quality of life due to COVID-19-induced long-term olfactory dysfunction

Impairment of quality of life due to COVID-19-induced long-term olfactory dysfunction

Olfactory recovery following omicron variant infection: a psychophysical prospective case–control study with six-month follow up

Recovery rates and long‐term olfactory dysfunction following COVID‐19 infection

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About