Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients Infected with 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Department of Otolaryngology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Neyshaboor Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshaboor, Iran. Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

5 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

6 Lung Disease Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

7 Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

8 Rheumatic Disease Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

9 Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10 Department of Rhinology & Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California.

Abstract

Introduction:
The current study aimed at investigating the occurrence and features of olfactory dysfunction in patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.
 
Materials and Methods:
Patients with laboratory and clinically confirmed COVID-19 infection were enrolled in this longitudinal study. They were managed in either the inpatient or outpatient setting. The demographic, clinical, and outcome data were retrieved from patients’ medical records. Olfactory dysfunction features, including the onset pattern, duration, and recovery time were investigated. The visual analog scale (VAS) was utilized as a self-rating subjective measurement of olfactory function.
 
Results:
According to the results, the mean age of the patients (n=502) was obtained at 46.8±18.5 years; moreover, 52.4% and 47.6% of cases were female and male, respectively. It was also revealed that 35.4% and 64.5% of the subjects were outpatients and hospitalized, respectively. Based on the findings, 178 (38.4%) subjects had olfactory dysfunction. The mean values of VAS in hyposmic patients were estimated at 2.5±2.5, 8.3 ±2.1, and 9.4±1.6 at the first evaluation, in 2 weeks, and after 1 month of follow-up (p <0.001). The onset of olfactory dysfunction was more suddenly (58.7%). The majority of cases experienced olfactory dysfunction at the same time as other symptoms 72(51.1%). Based on the results, 0.4% of subjects infected with COVID-19 had olfactory dysfunction as an isolated symptom. The olfactory dysfunction was recovered after 2 weeks in 18 (25.3%) anosmic and 37(46.8%) hyposmic patients.
 
Conclusion:
Olfactory dysfunction seemed to be an important symptom of COVID-19 infection. The occurrence of this disturbance as a transient self-limited condition was significantly higher among female subjects. 

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 33, Issue 3
May and June 2021
Pages 163-171

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