Some COVID-19 Patients Experience Persistent Loss of Taste and Smell

According to a study published online on July 26, 2022, in The BMJ, some patients with COVID-19 experience persistent smell and taste dysfunction.

Benjamin Kye Jyn Tan of the Yong Loo Lin School at the National University of Singapore and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the proportion of COVID-19 patients with persistent smell and taste dysfunction, using data from 18 studies involving 3699 patients.

The researchers estimated that 4.4 – 5.6%of patients may develop persistent smell and taste dysfunction. These figures are based on patient-reported data. However, sensitivity analyses suggest that these figures may underestimate the actual rates.

Overall, the following proportions of patients recovered their sense of smell:

• 74.1% by day 30,
• 85.8% by day 60,
• 90% by day 90, and
• 95.7% by day 120.

The following proportions of patients recovered their sense of taste:

• 78.8% by day 30,
• 87.7% by day 60,
• 90.3% by day 90, and
• 98% by day 120.

Compared with men, women were half as likely to recover their sense of smell. In other words, women appear to be more affected by these problems. Women also reported nearly twice as much COVID-19-related smell and taste dysfunction or nasal congestion.

In conclusion, although most patients are expected to recover their sense of smell or taste within the first three months, a substantial subgroup develops long-lasting smell and taste dysfunction. There is currently no definitive treatment for this condition. These patients require timely identification, personalized treatment, and long-term follow-up for associated sequelae.

*