Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Covid-19: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Institute of Western Rajasthan

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.

Automated summary

This study observed olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients, with younger patients being more susceptible to these manifestations. The co-existence of anosmia and ageusia was found to be more common than isolated dysfunction in these patients.