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SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) structure and host tropism have changed over time, and so has the involvement of throat structures. This infodemiological analysis is hence aimed at investigating the evolution of throat symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. We searched Google Trends using the medical search terms "ageusia", "hoarseness", "dysphonia", "pharyngitis" and "laryngitis", setting geographical location to "United States", within the past 5 years. The weekly Google Trends score for these symptoms, which reflects their national Web popularity, was divided in three parts, as "pre-COVID" (July 2017 to February 2020), COVID-19 "pre-Omicron" (March 2020 to November 2021), and COVID-19 "Omicron" (December 2021 to July 2022), and then compared. The volume of searches for ageusia increased in the pre-Omicron period and remained significantly higher also during Omicron prevalence, though a significant decrease (∼30%) occurred with Omicron lineages compared to previous strains. The Google searches for hoarseness and dysphonia were relatively similar between the pre-COVID and pre-Omicron periods, but then significantly increased during Omicron predominance. The Google searches for pharyngitis and laryngitis decreased in the pre-Omicron period, but then considerably increased following Omicron emergence. Omicron endemic spread could be significantly and independently predicted by the volume of searches for pharyngitis, laryngitis and hoarseness. The epidemiological burden of throat symptoms has considerably changed after Omicron emergence, with a lower likelihood of developing chemosensory dysfunctions and enhanced risk of throat involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a varying prevalence of olfactory and taste dysfunction (OTD) in COVID-19 patients, with a higher prevalence reported in the European population as compared to the Asian population. Psychophysical tests are crucial to determine the exact frequency, extent and clinical characteristics of these OTDs. The present study objectively evaluated the OTD for patients treated in the Dedicated COVID-19 Hospital (DCH) in Shahdol. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted after IEC approval in DCH Shahdol for a period of four months among RT-PCR positive patients, and they were evaluated using validated chemosensitive psychophysical test during ENT consultation to identify OTD. The sample size was calculated as 92 considering prevalence (p) of OTD as 41.3% by applying formula: n = (Z1−a/2)2 × p (1−p) / d2. The information pertaining to the subjects was kept anonymous and confidential. During data analysis, an association was significant for p value < 0.05. It was observed that 45.5% of subjects reported either loss of taste or smell. During objective evaluation, olfactory and taste dysfunction was observed among 42.4% of subjects (95/224). The Chi-square analysis reflected statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between subjects with OTD and without OTD for the variables such as days from onset of symptoms to admission, and symptoms (fever, sore throat and shortness of breath). Taste and smell are among the important senses and in India they are mostly subjectively evaluated for COVID-19 induced OTD which results in underreporting of these symptoms. So, a gold standard objective evaluation should be taken into consideration to evaluate OTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is done to raise awareness of olfactory and taste dysfunction association in coronavirus disease, urging early detection and isolation of coronavirus positive patients thus breaking the chain of transmission of disease. This is a retrospective observational study done in outpatient department of tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, west India from 1st May 2020 to 1st August 2020 on patients who were confirmed positive for COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and having olfactory dysfunction and/or taste disorders. In study population, anosmia and ageusia occurred in 88% and 83.33% respectively. In control population, anosmia and ageusia occurred in 93% and 85.71% respectively. The mean duration of anosmia was around 2 weeks and 3 weeks for study and control group respectively. In study population 94.6% recovered from anosmia, whereas in control population 64.3% recovered from anosmia. Anosmia gradually improved to hyposmia. In the study population 94.3% hyposmia patients showed recovery, while in control population 85.2% showed recovery. Ageusia collaborated with the duration of anosmia. Recovery from taste dysfunction was 88.6% and 63.9% in study and control population respectively. Olfactory and taste dysfunction are very important clinical features of coronavirus positive patients with anosmia being the most prominent symptom. All patients presenting with smell and or taste dysfunction should be screened for coronavirus disease, helping in early detection in asymptomatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus causes damage to chemosensory receptors resulting in olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. This study reports our observations on anosmia and ageusia in symptomatic COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the COVID centre of Western Rajasthan. A total of 98 symptomatic, RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients admitted in the M.G. Hospital during November 2020 were evaluated with detailed history regarding symptoms along with duration and resolution including response to antiviral therapy. Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction was seen in 53.1% patients. Both anosmia and ageusia coexisted in 61.5% patients followed by isolated anosmia (25%), while isolated ageusia was rare. History of preceding fever was present in 69.2% cases. 100% of the patients with ageusia had loss of salty and sour taste, while 90.1% did not feel sweet taste. Bitter taste sensation was altered only in 63.6%. Symptoms reversed within 7 days in 94.2% cases and after 15 days in 5.8% cases irrespective of antiviral therapy. Chemosensory dysfunction has no racial predominance. It is a self-limiting manifestation and a useful screening symptom. Co-existence of anosmia and ageusia is more common than isolated dysfunction. In ageusia, salty and sour is the most commonly lost taste sensation followed by sweet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anosmia (loss of smell) and Ageusia (loss of taste) are newly presenting independent symptoms in association with multiple symptoms such as Fever, Dry cough and Breathlessness in COVID 19 Patients.The Study of aims is to estimate Prevalence of Anosmia & Ageusia in Confirmed Covid 19 cases and to assess their Recovery rates. A Study conducted between June 2020 and September 2020 at a tertiary care COVID Dedicated hospital. Total 200 patients with age group 12–70 years Confirmed COVID 19 Positive Patients using RTPCR having mild to moderate symptoms were included. Patients were examined Clinically alongwith all safety measures to analyse prevalence & estimate their recoveries from sensory impairement using 10 item based DyNaCHRON questionnaire(concerned with taste and smell) at 10th, 14th & 21st Day. Out of 200 patients, Prevalence of Isolated Ageusia is 7%, Isolated Anosmia 4.5% and with Anosmia and Ageusia 4%. Complete Recovery regained in Ageusia within 14 days, while Rest all patients of Anosmia and both (Anosmia and Ageusia) within 21 days, Except 2 patients where long term Anosmia persists. Newly onset Anosmia and Ageusia are common in early stages of Covid 19 disease. They are Prevalent in mild to moderate symptomatic form of Diseases. Recovery in most cases is rapid and complete.Early Screening tests performed in suspected COVID 19 patients with loss of taste and smell sensation allows early diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a deadly pandemic throughout the world. Many case series from all over the globe and in India are detecting a very high frequency of chemo sensitive disorders in COVID-19. There is increasing evidence that olfactory and gustatory dysfunction can be present in COVID-19 patients. Olfactory and gustatory function was subjectively tested in 300 COVID-19 patients admitted at our hospital, Government Medical College, Jammu first through telephonic interviews followed by online questionnaire. Among our test population, 159 patients (53%) reported olfactory and gustatory alterations within 5 days of testing positive for COVID-19. 52% of those complaining olfactory dysfunction developed it before testing positive while 45% of those having gustatory dysfunction reported the same before testing positive for the disease. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions represent common clinical findings in COVID-19 patients. Otorhinolaryngologists and head-neck surgeons must by now keep this diagnostic option in mind when evaluating cases of non-specific anosmia and ageusia that arose suddenly and are not associated with rhinitis/influenza symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of smell and taste are common complaints in patients with the COVID-19 disease. These symptoms may present alone or with other symptoms. It is of utmost importance to know their rates of occurrence for better controlling of the infection. The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of anosmia and ageusia in individuals with COVID-19 in Al-Wajbah Primary Health Center, Doha, Qatar. This retrospective study was conducted at Al-Wajbah Primary Health Center, Doha, Qatar. The study covered the two-month period -May and June 2020. The proven cases of COVID-19 by real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) were enrolled in the study. Data regarding the age, gender, symptomatology including anosmia and ageusia, history of recent travel, smoking, past history of nasal and paranasal diseases (NPND), and severity of the disease were taken from the patients' records. IBM- SPSS version 22 statistical software was used for the analysis of the data. Out of 141, 35 (24.82%) subject presented with anosmia, ageusia or both. Most of the patients were from age group > 30 year (n = 104, 73.76%) with nearly equal gender. The majority of the individuals were without history of recent travel (92.2%) and smoking (80.14%). Three-quarters of the patients were asymptomatic, and 51.06% with a past history of NPND. The male sex, history of recent travel, smoking, and severe course of the disease were positive, highly significant association with anosmia or ageusia. All patients returned to their normal smell and taste sensations within a mean duration of 6.89 days. Loss of taste and smell were common symptomatology of COVID-19 disease. The males, recent travel, smoking, and severe course of the disease were risk factors of the anosmia and ageusia in COVID-19 cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 infection develops neurologic symptoms such as smell and taste loss. We aimed to determine the volumetric changes in the brain and correlation of possible related biochemical parameters and endocannabinoid levels after COVID-19 recovery. Methods: Brain magnetic resonance images of recovered COVID-19 patients and healthy volunteers, whose olfactory and gustatory scores were obtained through a questionnaire, were taken, and the volumes of the brain regions associated with taste and smell were measured by automatic and semiautomatic methods. Endocannabinoids (EC), which are critical in the olfactory system, and vitamin B12, zinc, iron, ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroxine (T4) levels, which are reported to have possible roles in olfactory disorders, were measured in peripheral blood. Results: Taste and smell disorder scores and EC levels were found to be higher in recovered COVID-19 patients compared to controls. EC levels were negatively correlated with bilateral entorhinal cortex (ENT) volumes in the COVID-19 group. Subgenual anterior cingulate cortex volumes showed correlations with gustatory complaints and ferritin in recovered COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: The critical finding of our study is the high EC levels and negative correlation between EC levels and left ENT volumes in recovered COVID-19 patients. Implications: It is possible that ECs are potential neuromodulators in many conditions leading to olfactory disorders, including COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in 2019, the virus has evolved drastically, presenting with sets of mutations that influence its properties, including transmissibility and antigenicity. The oral mucosa is postulated as probable portal entry and several oral manifestations have been identified, which places dental professionals in a position to recognize probable COVID-19 patients depending on oral signs and symptoms in the initial phases of the disease itself. As co-existing with COVID-19 seems to be a new reality, greater understanding is required regarding early oral signs and symptoms which can be predictors for timely intervention and prevention of complications in COVID-19 patients. The objective of the study is to identify the distinguishing oral signs and symptoms among COVID-19 patients and to establish possible correlation between severity of COVID-19 infection and oral symptoms. Methods: This study recruited 179 ambulatory, non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province's designated hotels for COVID-19 and home isolated patients from the same region using a convenience sample method. Data was collected by qualified and experienced investigators, including two physicians and three dentists, using a validated comprehensive questionnaire through telephonic interviews with the participants. The X 2 was used to assess the categorical variables, and odd's ratio was calculated to determine the strength of the association between general symptoms and oral manifestations. Results: Oral and nasopharyngeal lesions or conditions like loss of smell and taste, xerostomia, sore throat, and burning sensation were predictors of COVID-19-related systemic symptoms such as cough, fatigue, fever, and nasal congestion were identified to be statistically significant (p Conclusions: The study reveals the occurrence of olfactory or taste dysfunction, dry mouth, sore throat, and burning sensation along with COVID-19 generic symptoms, should be considered as suggestive yet not conclusive indicators of COVID-19.

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to assess the 4‐ and 8‐week recovery rate of anosmia and determine the factors associated with recovery in COVID‐19 patients. Method This retrospective study was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021. RT‐PCR‐proven COVID‐19 adult patients (over 18 years of age) with a positive history of anosmia were included in this study. Anosmia was assessed based on the COVID‐19 Anosmia Reporting Tool. The recovery rate of anosmia after 4 and 8 weeks were evaluated, and the relationship between the patients' recovery and their clinical and demographic data was assessed. Results A total of 235 patients were included. Their mean age (±SD) was 43.95 ± 15.27 years. Anosmia recovery was reported in 207(88.51%) and 219 (93.19%) participants till 4 and 8 weeks. The mean recovery time was 19.42 ± 8.81 days. The result of logistic regression showed that smoking (P = .031; OR = 10.813), ageusia (P = .002; OR = 5.340), headache (P = .006; OR = 0.243), and nasal discharge (P

Abstract The spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus produces a new disease termed COVID‐19, the underlying physiological mechanisms of which are still being understood. Characteristic of the infection is the compromising of taste and smell. There is a persistent need to discriminate the dysfunctions and correlation between taste and smell, which are probably epiphenomena of other concealed conditions. Anosmic and ageusic long‐term COVID‐19 patients were re‐evaluated after 1 year using a Volabolomic approach with an e‐nose recording system coupled with olfactometric and gustometric tests. Here a range of sensory arrangements was found, from normal taste and smell to complete losses. The following patterns of olfactory threshold (OT)‐taste threshold‐olfactory uni‐ and cross‐modal perception were found anosmia‐severe hypogeusia‐anosmia; hyposmia‐hypogeusia‐severe hyposmia; normosmia‐ageusia‐hyposmia; severe hyposmia ‐normogeusia‐normosmia. There is a strong correlation between OT and olfactory uni‐ and cross‐modal perception, a moderate correlation between olfactory and taste threshold and no correlation between OT and taste threshold. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the feasibility of testing the chemical senses to directly objectify function in order to discriminate taste from olfactory impairment. Furthermore, it allows to hypothesize a long‐term effect of the virus due to neuroinvasion through, probably, the olfactory system with injury in the related multisensory areas of taste and smell.

BackgroundAbsent or abnormal senses of smell and taste have been frequently reported during both acute and long COVID in adult patients. In contrast, pediatric patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 are often asymptomatic and the loss of smell and/or taste has been infrequently reported. After observing several young patients with COVID-associated anosmia and ageusia at our clinic, we decided to investigate the incidence of subsequent eating disorders in these patients and in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients who did not experience anosmia and ageusia during the same period.Material and methodsA single-site retrospective cohort study of 84 pediatric patients with suspected long COVID who were treated in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic at the University Hospital Essen were evaluated for persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Smell and taste dysfunction as well as eating behaviors were among the signs and symptoms analyzed in this study.Results24 out of 84 children and adolescents described smell and taste dysfunction after confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections. A large number of these patients (6 out of 24) demonstrated increased fixation on their eating behavior post-COVID and over time these patients developed anorexia nervosa.Discussion/ConclusionIn this study we saw a possible association of long-lasting post-COVID smell and taste dysfunction with subsequent development of eating disorders. This observation is worrisome and merits further investigation by healthcare providers at multiple clinical sites.

In early 2020, one of the most prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection was the loss of smell (anosmia), found in 60-70% of all cases. Anosmia used to occur early, concomitantly with other symptoms, and often persisted after recovery for an extended period, sometimes for months. In addition to smell disturbance, COVID-19 has also been associated with loss of taste (ageusia). The latest research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 could spread from the respiratory system to the brain through receptors in sustentacular cells localized to the olfactory epithelium. The virus invades human cells via the obligatory receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2), and a priming protease, TMPRSS2, facilitating viral penetration. There is an abundant expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in sustentacular cells. In this study, we evaluated 102 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, of which 17.60% presented anosmia and 9.80% ageusia. ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 gene expression levels in nasopharyngeal tissue were obtained by RT-qPCR and measured using ΔCT analysis. ACE1 Alu287bp association was also evaluated. Logistic regression models were generated to estimate the effects of variables on ageusia and anosmia Association of ACE2 expression levels with ageusia. was observed (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.098-1.775); however, no association was observed between TMPRSS2 and ACE1 expression levels and ageusia. No association was observed among the three genes and anosmia, and the Alu287bp polymorphism was not associated with any of the outcomes. Lastly, we discuss whetherthere is a bridge linking these initial symptoms, including molecular factors, to long-term COVID-19 health consequences such as cognitive dysfunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Zinc insufficiency has been proposed to play a role in taste and smell impairment in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing salivary zinc levels in COVID-19 patients with and without dysgeusia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 127 participants were recruited for this study. The patients were divided into three groups based on their COVID-19 test results and taste impairment. Groups I and II were COVID-19 positive with and without taste loss, respectively. Group III included the negative control participants. Salivary zinc levels were measured at baseline in all groups and three months after baseline in groups I and II. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the zinc levels between baseline and three months after baseline within each group. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare zinc levels between groups with different degrees of taste loss. RESULTS: Salivary zinc levels were significantly lower in the COVID-19 positive group with taste loss compared to levels in the group without taste loss or the negative controls (p<0.005). Three months after baseline, salivary zinc levels were significantly elevated in both COVID-19 positive groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients with dysgeusia had significantly lower levels of salivary zinc than positive and negative controls. Zinc levels were elevated after recovery, which may indicate that salivary zinc is directly associated with taste abnormalities and COVID-19 outcomes. This study showed that taste impairment is associated with lower salivary zinc levels in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute and chronic condition. Long-COVID is a post-viral syndrome. Some of the symptoms of long-COVID include fatigue, headache, dyspnoea, cough, stress, depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, memory issues, muscle and joint pain, nerve pain, disrupted sleep, loss of smell and taste, and digestive disorders. Vitamedicine is a personalised person-centred holistic system of health care with a core set of philosophies, principles, and practices. Vitamedicine looks at the whole person, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and environmentally, and focuses on the person's individual needs. In this article, diet, nutritional, herbal, and lifestyle medicines that can be utilised for the management of long-COVID are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The relationship between olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD) and COVID-19 infection severity is still unclear. Aim: To investigate the correlation between OGD in COVID-19-infected individuals and RT-PCR results, chest CT scan abnormality, lymphocyte counts, hospital admission units, age, body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation. Setting and Design: Case-control study. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of laboratory and chest X-ray confirmed COVID-19-infected patients from four hospitals. The patients were divided into case and control groups based on the presence of OGD symptoms. The predictor variable was OGD. The outcome variable was gender, hospital admission unit, chest CT scan abnormality, PCR, lymphocyte counts, age, body temperature, and blood oxygen saturation. Statistical Analysis Used: Bivariate statistics were computed and the P value was set at 0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 189 patients. Smell and taste disorders were found in 31.7% and 24.3% of patients, respectively. OGD was significantly correlated with positive PCR results (P < 0.001) and general unit admission (P < 0.05) during hospitalization. Additionally, patients with OGD had significantly lower mean age (P < 0.001), higher body temperature (P < 0.01), and blood oxygen saturation (P < 0.01). However, OGD was not correlated with gender, chest CT scan abnormality, or lymphocyte counts (P > 0.05). Conclusions: OGD symptoms can be used to detect COVID-19-infected patients. OGD can be used to predict less severe disease mainly by its correlation with the less amount of hospital care, more negative PCR results, higher body temperature, and higher blood oxygen saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The unprecedented outbreak of a contagious respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus has led to a pandemic since December 2019, claiming millions of lives. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to estimate the various risk factors associated with COVID, to study the common presenting symptoms and prognosis, and to estimate the degree of association between computed tomography (CT) value in reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with mode of disease transmission in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comprising of 1462 COVID-positive individuals. It is based on structured questionnaire on demographic, socioeconomic and symptoms, and correlation of clinical pattern with CT value in RT-PCR and further prognosis. Results: Diabetes (6.7%), hypertension (7.5%), and bronchial asthma (8.6%) are the main comorbid conditions. Middle (44.6%) and low socioeconomic status (47.3%) are more susceptible. Male gender (63.5%) is more affected, especially 16–30 years age group (32.4%). Vaccination offers considerable protection from infection. Contact (59.4%) with known case and travel (31%) are main factors that determine disease transmission. Blood group may not play a role in COVID susceptibility. Health care workers (22.9%) and students (16.2%) are mostly affected. Conclusion: Bronchial asthma, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are the predominant risk factors associated with COVID. Transmission of the disease is more by virtue of contact with the infected person than by travel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Long COVID, defined as the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms ≥28 days after clinical onset, is an emerging challenge to healthcare systems. The objective of the current study was to explore recovery phenotypes in nonhospitalized individuals with COVID-19. Methods A dual cohort, online survey study was conducted between September 2020 and July 2021 in the neighboring European regions Tyrol (TY; Austria, n = 1157) and South Tyrol (STY; Italy, n = 893). Data were collected on demographics, comorbid conditions, COVID-19 symptoms, and recovery in adult outpatients. Phenotypes of acute COVID-19, postacute sequelae, and risk of protracted recovery were explored using semi-supervised clustering and multiparameter least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) modeling. Results Participants in the study cohorts were predominantly working age (median age [interquartile range], 43 [31–53] years] for TY and 45 [35–55] years] for STY) and female (65.1% in TY and 68.3% in STY). Nearly half (47.6% in TY and 49.3% in STY) reported symptom persistence beyond 28 days. Two acute COVID-19 phenotypes were discerned: the nonspecific infection phenotype and the multiorgan phenotype (MOP). Acute MOP symptoms encompassing multiple neurological, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and dermatological symptoms were linked to elevated risk of protracted recovery. The major subset of individuals with long COVID (49.3% in TY; 55.6% in STY) displayed no persistent hyposmia or hypogeusia but high counts of postacute MOP symptoms and poor self-reported physical recovery. Conclusions The results of our 2-cohort analysis delineated phenotypic diversity of acute and postacute COVID-19 manifestations in home-isolated patients, which must be considered in predicting protracted convalescence and allocating medical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, SARS CoV-2 omicron variant has led to a notable increase of COVID-19 diagnoses, although with less severe clinical manifestations and decreased hospitalizations. The omicron wave swelled faster than previous waves, completely displacing the delta variant within weeks, and creating worldwide concern about final, successful pandemic control. Some authors contend that symptoms associated to omicron differ from 'traditional' symptoms and more closely resemble those of the common cold. One major COVID-19 symptom frequent with other variants--loss of taste and smell--is rarely present with omicron. This may be of interest, since it has also been suggested that direct SARS-CoV-2 invasion into the brainstem through the olfactory nerves by transsynaptic pathways could provide one explanation for the acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to Globally, SARS CoV-2 omicron variant has led to a notable increase of COVID-19 diagnoses, although with less severe clinical manifestations and decreased hospitalizations. The omicron wave swelled faster than previous waves, completely displacing the delta variant within weeks, and creating worldwide concern about final, successful pandemic control. Some authors contend that symptoms associated to omicron differ from 'traditional' symptoms and more closely resemble those of the common cold. One major COVID-19 symptom frequent with other variants--loss of taste and smell--is rarely present with omicron. This may be of interest, since it has also been suggested that direct SARS-CoV-2 invasion into the brainstem through the olfactory nerves by transsynaptic pathways could provide one explanation for the acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to cathepsin-dependent fusion within the endosome, may affect transmission, cellular tropism and pathogenesis. Therefore, we can hypothesize that this entrance modification may impact transmission from the olfactory nerve to the brainstem through transsynaptic pathways. A decrement of the virus's direct invasion into the brainstem could diminish respiratory center dysfunction, reducing acute respiratory distress syndrome and the need for mechanical ventilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Rational resource management was key to avoiding overcrowding in Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) dedicated wards. The study aimed to identify specific symptoms for aged patients with COVID-19 and assess the utility of the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) as a tool that may support decisions within an emergency department (ED). Material and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of medical records. ED patients with positive antigen tests for COVID-19 infection were identified. Patients' history, length of stay (LOS) and vital signs were collected. MEWS score was calculated. Age groups were divided as follows: non-geriatric (NG) -- aged under 60; geriatric groups (G): G1 -- aged 60-74; G2 -- aged 75-89; G3 -- aged 90 and over. Results: There were 777 individuals (261 NG and 510 G patients). Symptoms related to pain as well as anosmia and ageusia occurred more often in NG patients. The longest LOS was in G2 -- 182 [101-295] minutes. A significantly shorter LOS (51 [24-156] minutes) was recorded in NG (NG vs. G1 p < 0.0001; NG vs. G2 p < 0.0001; NG vs. G3 p = 0.0007). Admission rate was as follow: NG: 17.24%, G1: 50.97%, G2: 61.43%, G3: 54.17. Accuracy parameters for MEWS score (NG vs G, [%]) were as follow: sensitivity (93.18 vs. 91.04), specificity (13.04 vs. 11.79), positive predictive value (18.55 vs. 52.88), negative predictive value (90.00 vs. 54.76). Conclusions: Geriatric patients spent more time in ED and were admitted more often. Seniors were less likely to experience pain. MEWS is not a valuable tool for supporting decisions concerning the admission or discharge of geriatric patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study evaluated the diagnostic value of various symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in screening for this disease. Methods Two authors (working independently) comprehensively reviewed six databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar) from their dates of inception until November 2020. The predictive value of patient-reported symptoms, including otolaryngologic and general symptoms, was evaluated in adults who underwent testing for COVID-19. True-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative data were extracted from each study. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tool (ver. 2). Results Twenty-eight prospective and retrospective studies were included in the meta-analysis. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of a change in olfaction and/or taste was 10.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.43–12.34). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8. Olfactory and/or taste changes had a low sensitivity (0.57; 95% CI, 0.47–0.66) but moderate negative (0.78; 95% CI, 0.69–0.85] and positive (0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.87) predictive values and a high specificity (0.91; 95% CI, 0.83–0.96). Olfactory and/or taste changes had a higher diagnostic value than the other otolaryngologic symptoms, a higher DOR and specificity, and a similar or higher diagnostic value than the other general symptoms. Conclusion Among otolaryngologic symptoms, olfactory and/or taste dysfunction was the most closely associated with COVID-19 and its general symptoms, and should therefore be considered when screening for the disease.

Objective: Our study aimed to compare symptoms day by day for non-hospitalized individuals testing positive and negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: In total, 210 positive-test and 630 negative-test healthcare workers in the Central Denmark Region were followed for up to 90 days after testing, between April and June, 2020. Their daily reported COVID-19-related symptoms were compared graphically and by logistic regression. Results: Thirty per cent of the positive-test and close to 0% of the negative-test participants reported a reduced sense of taste and smell during all 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 86.07, 95% CI 22.86–323). Dyspnea was reported by an initial 20% of positive-test participants, declining to 5% after 30 days, without ever reaching the level of the negative-test participants (aOR 6.88, 95% CI 2.41–19.63). Cough, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, and fever were temporarily more prevalent among the positive-test participants; after 30 days, no increases were seen. Women and older participants were more susceptible to long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion: The prevalence of long-lasting reduced sense of taste and smell is highly increased in mild COVID-19 patients. This pattern is also seen for dyspnea at a low level, but not for cough, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, or fever.

Although still present in 20% to 30% of patients, this relative sparing of the olfactory sense will lead to a significant reduction in the long-term morbidity associated with COVID-19 by decreasing the overall percentage of COVID-19 patients who will suffer from long-term severe olfactory loss. Keywords: ageusia; anosmia; COVID-19; olfaction; olfactory disorders; omicron EN ageusia anosmia COVID-19 olfaction olfactory disorders omicron 958 960 3 04/25/23 20230501 NES 230501 Soon after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began to unfold, an altered sense of smell and taste was quickly identified as one of the most common yet unusual symptoms. Ageusia, anosmia, COVID-19, olfaction, omicron, olfactory disorders. [Extracted from the article]

In early 2020, one of the most prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection was the loss of smell (anosmia), found in 60-70% of all cases. Anosmia used to occur early, concomitantly with other symptoms, and often persisted after recovery for an extended period, sometimes for months. In addition to smell disturbance, COVID-19 has also been associated with loss of taste (ageusia). The latest research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 could spread from the respiratory system to the brain through receptors in sustentacular cells localized to the olfactory epithelium. The virus invades human cells via the obligatory receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2), and a priming protease, TMPRSS2, facilitating viral penetration. There is an abundant expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in sustentacular cells. In this study, we evaluated 102 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, of which 17.60% presented anosmia and 9.80% ageusia. ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 gene expression levels in nasopharyngeal tissue were obtained by RT-qPCR and measured using ΔCT analysis. ACE1 Alu287bp association was also evaluated. Logistic regression models were generated to estimate the effects of variables on ageusia and anosmia Association of ACE2 expression levels with ageusia. was observed (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.098-1.775); however, no association was observed between TMPRSS2 and ACE1 expression levels and ageusia. No association was observed among the three genes and anosmia, and the Alu287bp polymorphism was not associated with any of the outcomes. Lastly, we discuss whetherthere is a bridge linking these initial symptoms, including molecular factors, to long-term COVID-19 health consequences such as cognitive dysfunctions.

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a highly challenging and threatening situation worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 patients develop various clinical symptoms. The olfactory and taste dysfunctions are potential neurological manifestations among SARS-CoV-2 patients; however, their relationship with blood groups has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chemosensitive neurological disorders of smell and taste and their association with blood groups in SARS-CoV-2 patients. The present cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Pathology, and Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A well-structured, self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed through social media platforms. A total of 922 Saudi and non-Saudi adults aged 18 years or older participated in the study. Out of 922 participants, the number of people who had anosmia was 309 (33.5%), 211 (22.9%) had hyposmia, and 45 (4.8%) had dysosmia. Moreover, 180 (19.52%) had ageusia, 47 (5.1%) and 293 (31.8%) had hypogeusia and dysgeusia, respectively. Among all the participants, 565 (61.27%) had smell-related disorders and 520 (56.39%) participants had taste-related clinical symptoms. The occurrence of anosmia and ageusia was relatively high among females compared to males (p = 0.024). The prevalence of smell-related disorders was 25.0% (230) and taste-related disorders was 23.21% (214) among the study participants with blood group O compared to all other blood group (A, B, and AB) participants who have smell allied disorders 30.69% (283), and taste allied disorders 27.98% (258). The prevalence of chemosensitive neurological disorders involving impaired smell and taste was higher in SARS-CoV-2 patients. These clinical symptoms were common among the participants with blood group type O compared to all other ABO blood group types. The role of certain demographic characteristics was consistent throughout multiple studies, notably with female gender and young adults.

The evolution of ageusia research literature has yet to be investigated. This bibliometric study analyzed the entire ageusia research literature indexed in Web of Science, to reveal its growth and the most productive entities in terms of authors, institutions, countries, journals, and journal categories. In addition, this study aimed to identify medical conditions (and their treatments) that were frequently associated with ageusia. On 7 March 2022, the Web of Science Core Collection database was accessed with the following search query: TS = (ageusia OR “taste loss” OR “loss of taste” OR “loss of gustat*” OR “gustatory loss”). The search identified publications mentioning these terms in their title, abstract, or keywords. No additional filters were placed on publication year, language, etc. The basic publication and citation counts were extracted from the in-built functions of the database. The complete record of the publications was exported into VOSviewer, a bibliometric software for visualizations. The search yielded 1170 publications. The cumulative publication and citation counts of the ageusia research sharply increased in 2020. The most productive author was Professor Thomas Hummel from Technische Universität Dresden. Ageusia research had heavy contributions from the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and India. The top 5 most productive journals mainly belonged to the otorhinolaryngology and medicine categories. The medical conditions frequently investigated in ageusia research included COVID-19, cancers (head and neck, and advanced basal cell), Guillain-Barré syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and Sjogren’s syndrome. This study could act as a begvinner’s guide for (1) clinicians who are not familiar with ageusia so that they might better understand which scenarios they need to be more aware of since ageusia could be a co-morbidity of a patient’s underlying disease, and (2) for those who wish to search for relevant authors and journals for suitable publications related to the topic.

Introduction: An epidemic of the severe acute respiratory syndrome was started in 2019 in Wuhan city, China. Due to international trade and travel, this disease has become a pandemic across the world. The agent causing this disease was named Corona Virus Disease 2019 by (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The following study was done with the objective of estimating the prevalence of anosmia and ageusia and its association with disease severity among COVID-19 affected individuals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among COVID-19 patients in a tertiary hospital in Salem, Tamil Nadu. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, which consisted of demographic details such as age, gender, and place, clinical symptoms, and signs such as fever, loss of taste, breathing difficulty, loss of smell, sore throat, and fatigability, vital signs, and co-morbidities. Results: In this study, we found that the severity of the disease (according to CT chest scores) among the study participants had a statistically significant association with breathlessness and headache. Conclusion: The symptoms of headache and breathlessness have statistically significant associations with disease severity that can be used in any setting to classify the COVID-19 case as who is eligible for home isolation, and who is eligible for admission or to be referred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze factors regarding patient characteristics, sampling techniques, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) specific manifestations that may cause false-negative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. For the diagnosis of COVID-19, patients with RT-PCR test positive in the first nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were accepted as true positive, and patients with negative 3 consecutive swab results were considered true negative. Those who had a negative initial swab were considered false negatives if they subsequently tested positive on the second or third swab. Demographic data of the patients, the onset of the disease, presence of nasal septal deviation, presence of epistaxis, the clinician (otolaryngologist/other physicians [OP]) who collected the samples, and medical treatments for laryngopharyngeal reflux, allergic respiratory diseases, allergic rhinitis, which include proton pump inhibitors and nasal steroids (NS), were documented. The analysis of dependent variables was performed with the chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was performed for significant variables. Results: A total of 399 patients were included in the study, and 357 (89.5%) patients were detected as positive after 2 or 3 consecutive RT-PCR tests. The presence of ageusia, anosmia, and collecting the samples within 7 days following the onset of symptoms were determined as significant factors for positive RT-PCR results (P = <.001; odds ratio [OR] = 6.2, 5.8, 11.6, respectively). The profession of the clinician (OP), NS use, and the presence of epistaxis were detected as significant factors for the false-negative RT-PCR results (P <.001; OR = 2.3, 3.1, 8.7, respectively). Conclusions: Patient- and/or sample-related factors can affect RT-PCR results of possible COVID-19 cases. The presence of these factors can easily be determined in cases with high clinical suspicion and negative RT-PCR results. The presence of ageusia, anosmia, early sampling (<7days), and appropriate collection of swabs decrease false-negative RT-PCR results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc supplementation is indicated for diarrhea and taste disorders, which are both features of COVID-19. Nevertheless, this strategy has not been tested for the treatment of these secondary complications in the current pandemic. Through an updated review, a practical appraisal was considered as a means of providing a medical nexus of therapeutic zinc regimens as an adjunct in the management of COVID-19–related diarrhea and ageusia/dysgeusia. While diarrhea and taste disorders are consequences of COVID-19, zinc supplementation is useful for non–COVID-19 patients with these clinical problems. The overwhelming evidence for supplementing with zinc in diarrhea and pneumonia is associated with the treatment of children, while for taste disorders the use of supplementing with zinc is more examined in adults. Whereas COVID-19 is more prevalent in adults, precautions should be exercised not to translate the zinc dosage used for children with diarrhea and taste disorders into the current pandemic. Therapeutic doses of zinc used for adults (∼50–150 mg/day of elemental zinc) could be included in the treatment strategies for COVID-19, but this proposal should be examined through randomized studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the management of COVID-19 has been a challenge for healthcare professionals. Although the respiratory system has primarily been affected with symptoms ranging from mild pneumonia to acute respiratory distress syndrome, other organs or systems have also been targets of the virus. The mouth represents an important route of entry for SARS-CoV-2. Cells in the oral epithelium, taste buds, and minor and major salivary glands express cellular entry factors for the virus, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Furin. This leads to symptoms such as deterioration of taste, salivary dysfunction, mucosal ulcers, before systemic manifestation of the disease. In this review we report and discuss the prevalence and socio-demographics of taste disturbances in COVID-19 patients, analysing the current international data. Importantly, we also take stock of the various hypothesized pathogenetic mechanisms and their impact on the reported symptoms. The literature indicated that COVID-19 patients frequently present with gustatory dysfunction, whose prevalence varies by country, age and sex. Furthermore, this dysfunction also has a variable duration in relation to the severity of the disease. The pathogenetic action is intricately linked to viral action which can be expressed in several ways. However, in many cases these are only hypotheses that need further confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past year, patients infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 presented with severe gustatory dysfunction, the prevalence of which varies among different populations. Furthermore, there have been sporadic reports of oral ulceration observed in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients due to varied reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate and characterize the presence of gustatory disorders, oral ulceration, and other oral changes in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 402 participants who were detected COVID-19 positive by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were included. Their demographic and clinical data were recorded through hospital records. The participants were interviewed either in person or on the telephone to record any change in taste and/or changes within the oral cavity. t-test for independent means was used to compare mean age, while other characteristics were compared by Chi-square test and Z-score test. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Out of the total sample of 402 individuals, 262 were male and 140 were female. The prevalence of gustatory dysfunction and oral ulceration was 43.53% and 15.67%, respectively, in the studied sample. Significantly more females had gustatory dysfunction than males and older subjects more commonly than younger. The symptom of loss/change of taste and oral ulceration were more probable to occur together. In addition, the tongue was the most common site for ulceration in our studied sample. Conclusion: Loss of taste is a common symptom of COVID-19 patients, whereas oral ulceration is not so commonly reported. However, the presence of both these symptoms could impair the quality of life of patients and hamper adequate nutritional uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID infection is known to cause acute and long-term neuropsychiatric presentations. Coronavirus infections are known to have neuroinvasive potential with consequent neuropsychiatric manifestations. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, and COVID-19-positive individuals were grouped based on the presence or absence of loss of smell (anosmia) or taste symptoms(ageusia). Group 1 without smell or taste disturbance, and Group 2 with smell or taste disturbance. Both groups were followed up for 6 months to assess the new onset of psychiatric illness. Results: The onset of new psychiatric illness was present in 8 out of 30 (26.66%) cases in group 2 when compared with 2 out of 30 (6.66%) cases in Group 1, with a relative risk of 4 (95% confidence interval 0.9247–17.3023). In 10 cases, the pattern of psychiatric illness was depression (16.66%), anxiety (6.6%), posttraumatic stress disorder (3.33%), acute psychosis (3.33%), and acute stress disorder (3.33%). Both groups were compared in terms of socio‑demographic profile, inflammatory markers, and computed tomography severity score, and no significant difference was noted between the two. A relative risk of 4 indicates that COVID‑19‑infected individuals who lose their sense of smell or taste are more likely to develop new-onset psychiatric illness. Conclusion: Impact of COVID-19 on the central nervous system is very evident, and loss of smell or taste symptoms could be an early marker. Early recognition and prompt treatment with immunotherapy or newer therapies will prevent the emergence of psychiatric disturbance and its disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, anosmia and ageusia (and their variations) have been reported as frequent symptoms of COVID-19. Olfactory and gustatory stimuli are essential in the perception and pleasure of eating. Disorders in sensory perception may influence appetite and the intake of necessary nutrients when recovering from COVID-19. In this short commentary, taste and smell disorders were reported and correlated for the first time with food science. The objective of this short commentary is to report that taste and smell disorders resulted from COVID-19 may impact eating pleasure and nutrition. It also points out important technologies and trends that can be considered and improved in future studies. Firmer food textures can stimulate the trigeminal nerve, and more vibrant colors are able to increase the modulation of brain metabolism, stimulating pleasure. Allied to this, encapsulation technology enables the production of new food formulations, producing agonist and antagonist agents to trigger or block specific sensations. Therefore, opportunities and innovations in the food industry are wide and multidisciplinary discussions are needed. • Anosmia and ageusia are among the symptoms of COVID-19. • Disorders of smell and taste interfere with eating pleasure. • This context should instigate innovations for the food sector. • Some trends, such as encapsulation, can improve sensory perception in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Chorda tympani (CT) manipulation during stapes surgery affects its functions. We hypothesized that this alters tongue morphology and sensory functions. (2) Methods: Patients undergoing stapes surgery were tested 1 day preoperatively, 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Narrow band imaging contact endoscopy (NBI) was used to determine the number of fungiform papillae (Npapillae) and the total score of blood vessel morphology (NBItotal). The taste was tested with taste strips. General sensation was tested with a static two-point discrimination. Tests were performed on ipsilateral and contralateral side of the tongue. (3) Results: 52 otosclerosis patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant decrease of NBItotal (p = 0.005), Npapillae (p = 0.009), sensation of sweet (p = 0.003), salty (p = 0.035), sour (p = 0.036), and bitter taste (p = 0.013) within the test side during the follow-up. A statistically significant impact on presence of dysgeusia for sweet was found 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.005). Postoperative decrease in two-point discrimination score did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.056). (4) Conclusions: CT manipulation affects fungiform papillae density, vascular patterns and taste sensation. The general sensation of the tongue is not influenced by CT manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) has been in a global pandemic currently and relating symptoms were reported variously around the world. We reported a previously healthy man of COVID-19 presenting with anosmia as the obvious symptom with relevant radiological findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract Background Thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays have typically been determined using samples from symptomatic, often hospitalised, patients. In this setting the sensitivity and specificity of the best performing assays can both exceed 98%. However, antibody assay performance following mild infection is less clear. Methods We assessed quantitative IgG responses in a cohort of healthcare workers in Oxford, UK, with a high pre-test probability of Covid-19, in particular the 991/11,475(8.6%) who reported loss of smell/taste. We use anosmia/ageusia and other risk factors as probes for Covid-19 infection potentially undiagnosed by immunoassays by investigating their relationship with antibody readings either side of assay thresholds. Results The proportion of healthcare workers reporting anosmia/ageusia increased at antibody readings below diagnostic thresholds using an in-house ELISA (n = 9324) and the Abbott Architect chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA; n = 11,324): 426/906 (47%) reported anosmia/ageusia with a positive ELISA, 59/449 (13.1%) with high-negative and 326/7969 (4.1%) with low-negative readings. Similarly, by CMIA, 518/1093 (47.4%) with a positive result reported anosmia/ageusia, 106/686 (15.5%) with a high-negative and 358/9563 (3.7%) with a low-negative result. Adjusting for the proportion of staff reporting anosmia/ageusia suggests the sensitivity of both assays in mild infection is lower than previously reported: Oxford ELISA 89.8% (95%CI 86.6–92.8%) and Abbott CMIA 79.3% (75.9–82.7%). Conclusion Following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection 10–30% of individuals may have negative immunoassay results. While lowered diagnostic thresholds may result in unacceptable specificity, our findings have implications for epidemiological analyses and result interpretation in individuals with a high pre-test probability. Samples from mild PCR-confirmed infections should be included in SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay evaluations.

Background and Aims: Acute loss of smell or anosmia is a common and sometimes the only symptom observed in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, time of onset, and duration of anosmia in patients with COVID-19 infection and the association of anosmia with other symptoms and eosinophil count. Material and Methods: Two hundred patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection, who were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic were assessed for olfaction with a nonirritant odor. The presence of anosmia was recorded, and a questionnaire integrating the anosmia reporting tool was filled. Patients with anosmia/hyposmia were followed telephonically at 7 and 14 days for resolution of anosmia and other symptoms. The presence of anosmia was correlated with eosinophil count. Results: Of the 200 COVID-19 patients, 87% were symptomatic. More than half of the patients had fever (56%). Anosmia was observed in 30% of the patients and hyposmia in 4% of patients. In 41% of the patients, olfactory loss was reported before diagnosis. The mean duration of anosmia was 7.8 (± 5) days; 97% of patients recovered with a resolution of symptoms within 2 weeks. Ageusia was the most commonly and significantly associated symptom with anosmia (66%, n = 45) followed by sore throat (41%), and rhinorrhea (28%). The symptoms in both the sexes were comparable. Absolute eosinophil count of

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting as global pandemic left no boundaries untouched worldwide. There are conglomerates of clinical and pathological presentation depending on population and geographic distribution. However amidst of such variable presentations, the sudden onset of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, if present, remains the most consistent and reliable symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) infection. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions can be present either isolated or as a part of the spectrum of common symptoms such as fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue in COVID-19. The pathophysiology of olfactory and gustatory loss is thought to be due to the neural and cytopathic effect of SARS CoV-2 on nasal and tongue mucosa and olfactory neuroepithelium. This review intends to provide a concise description of recent evidence for structure, pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment for smell and taste dysfunction in SARS CoV-2-infected patients, subjected to further studies and research. Vigilant screening of anosmia and ageusia could probably be an important tool in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Human-to-human transmission of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) - COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) - is characterized by a pandemic exponential rate and the patients with mild to moderate infection have odor and taste problems that represent a new atypical disease. A new viral syndrome of acute anosmia or "new loss of taste or smell" without rhinitis and nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea has been placed on the list of symptoms that may occur 2 to 14 days after exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Two months after declaring the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized changes in the perception of smell and taste as symptoms of this disease. The described cardinal symptoms are more common in the population of young patients and able-bodied people which facilitates the spread of disease. Significantly higher prevalence of patients with COVID-19 who have lost their taste and smell is treated at home (rare hospitalization), lung damage is rare, as well as oxygen therapy with mild lymphopenia. Different scenarios of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection can be assumed: it is probable that the virus does not enter directly into olfactory sensory neurons (they do not have ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors), but it is localized to vascular pericytes and causes inflammatory processes and vasculopathies. On the other hand, direct infection of non-neuronal cells which contain said receptors is possible. Those are specific cell types in the olfactory epithelium such as sustentacular, horizontal basal cells, as well as Bowman's glands, which leads to massive degeneration and loss of olfactory neurons. The sense of taste is a complex sensation that is the result of the interaction of smell, taste, temperature and texture of food. The virus damages cranial nerves, epithelial receptors and blood vessels leading to taste damage (ageusia or dysgeusia). A multidisciplinary approach with epidemiological, clinical and basic research is needed to elucidate the mechanism of sensorineural odor and taste loss caused by coronavirus.

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) diagnosis is confirmed by detection of viral nucleic acid by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in the upper respiratory samples through nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs or sputum. The present study compared the means of viral load on RT-PCR among COVID-19 patients with and without olfactory and taste dysfunction (OTD) admitted to dedicate COVID-19 hospital (DCH). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted after IEC approval in DCH Shahdol for a period of 4 months, and RT-PCR positive patients were divided into two groups, Group A (with OTD) and Group B (with no OTD) using chemosensitive psychophysical test. The sample size was calculated as 160 (Group A = 80 and Group B = 80) by using sample size formula: (σ21+ σ22/K) (z1− α/2 + z1− β)2/Δ2. During data analysis, an association was significant for P < 0.05. Results: Among total subjects (n = 160), 129 subjects reported the history of fever or malaise followed by cough among 55 subjects. It was observed that from Group A and Group B, 38.7% and 36.2% of subjects stayed in hospital for

Introdução: A Organização Mundial de Saúde declarou, em janeiro de 2020, um surto de COVID-19 causado pelo SARS-CoV-2, o que constituía uma emergência de saúde pública mundial. Pesquisadores do mundo todo entraram em uma batalha contra a falta de informações existentes sobre o vírus. Dentre os sintomas mais comuns da COVID-19, encontram-se febre, tosse, cansaço, ageusia (perda de paladar) e anosmia (perda do olfato), sendo considerados os efeitos graves as dificuldades respiratórias. Vários estudos têm demonstrado que pacientes recuperados da COVID-19 podem continuar a apresentar perdas sensoriais bem como outras alterações relacionadas ao sistema nervoso central, por exemplo a perda de memória e falta de concentração, constituindo a síndrome pós-covid. Acredita-se que o SARS-CoV-2 é capaz de promover danos neuronais. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência e o impacto das disfunções sensoriais causadas pelo COVID-19 na qualidade de vida da população. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada em novembro de 2021, nas bases de dados SciELO, LILACS e Pubmed, selecionando-se 5 artigos, sendo todos publicados no ano de 2020 e 2021 e na língua portuguesa. Os descritores utilizados durante a pesquisa bibliográfica foram: Ageusia, Anosmia, COVID-19, Qualidade de Vida e População, identificando semelhanças entre aquelas pesquisas que respondiam à pergunta norteadora: Quais são os impactos das perdas sensoriais causadas pelo COVID-19 na qualidade de vida? Resultados: De acordo com a pesquisa realizada, pode-se observar que as alterações cognitivas e sensoriais bem como o aumento de casos de doenças neuropsiquiátricas se tornaram muito mais comuns após o COVID-19, principalmente devido à perda de neurônios causada pela doença, mesmo após a plena recuperação da infecção causada pelo SARS-CoV-2. Do ponto de vista neurológico observamos um intenso acometimento do sistema nervoso central e do sistema nervoso periférico, tendo como relatos de danos mais comuns a anosmia e a ageusia, podendo chegar a consequências mais severas como por exemplo, a doença de Parkinson e a Esclerose Múltipla. Relacionado às perdas sensoriais (paladar e olfato), os estudos indicam que esses acometimentos podem remeter a dois mecanismos principais, o bloqueio inflamatório das fendas olfatórias e/ou o comprometimento do neuroepitélio olfatório. Podem-se destacar como agravantes, os pacientes que já tinham alguma doença de base ou que foram submetidos a cuidados intensivos, além de outros fatores existentes como ansiedade, estresse, sobrecarga no ambiente doméstico ou de trabalho, diminuição ao acesso à saúde e sedentarismo. Conclusões: Os órgãos dos sentidos humanos são estruturas anatômica e fisiologicamente complexas e extremamente importantes para a manutenção dos processos vitais dos seres vivos. Observa-se que as perdas sensoriais relacionadas à infecção do SARS-CoV-2 apresentam significativo impacto biopsicossocial, repercutindo a nível pessoal, social e até mesmo profissional. Desta forma, nota-se que estes eventos podem acarretar alterações na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, sendo de extrema importância analisar as consequências biopsicossociais dessas perdas bem como buscar maneiras não apenas de combater os sintomas da doença durante sua fase ativa, mas também minimizar suas possíveis sequelas, visando a manutenção da qualidade de vida e a promoção de saúde da população.

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.