Subjective evaluation of smell and taste dysfunction in patients with mild COVID-19 in Spain

Background: Has been described the loss of smell and taste as onset symptoms in SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence in Spain. Methods: Prospective study of COVID-19 confirmed patients through RT-PCR in Spain. Patients completed olfactory and gustatory questionnaires. Results: A total of 1043 patients with mild COVID-19 disease. The mean age was 39 +/- 12 years. 826 patients (79.2%) described smell disorder, 662 (63.4%) as a total loss and 164 (15.7%) partial. 718 patients (68.8%) noticed some grade of taste dysfunction. There was a significant association between both disorders (p< .001). The olfactory dysfunction was the first symptom in 17.1%. The sQOD-NS scores were significantly lower in patients with a total loss compare to normosmic or hyposmic individuals (p = .001). Female were significantly more affected by olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (p< .001). The early olfactory recover in 462 clinically cured patients was 315 (68.2%), during the first 4 weeks. Conclusion: The sudden onset smell and/or taste dysfunction should be considered highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection. (C) 2020 Elsevier Espaila, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In Spain, a high prevalence of taste and smell disorders was found among COVID-19 patients, with females being more affected, and an early olfactory recovery rate of 68.2% observed.