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

Med Clin (Barc). 2021 Jan 22;156(2):61-64. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2020.08.004. Epub 2020 Sep 25.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Ageusia; Ageusia.; Anosmia; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • COVID-19 / complications
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 Testing / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Olfaction Disorders / diagnosis
  • Olfaction Disorders / epidemiology
  • Olfaction Disorders / virology*
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Report
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spain
  • Taste Disorders / epidemiology
  • Taste Disorders / virology*