Consequences of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction and its recovery in COVID-19 patients

Background Loss of smell and taste has been identified as one of the symptoms of COVID-19 during its pandemic. This study aims to determine the prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction and its recovery in laboratory confirmed asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Results The mean age was 32.0 ± 12.6 years. The most common symptoms seen were weakness (84.5%), fever (73.5%) and cough (63.5%). Females had olfactory dysfunction more as compared to males. Overall, individuals represented olfactory dysfunction and gustatory dysfunction in the 3rd decade of life more and 66.5% and 62.5% of prevalence respectively with variable intensities; out of which, 40% cases recovered within first 2 weeks. Along with these, otolaryngological complaints of sore throat (53%), nasal obstruction (48%), rhinorrhoea (32%), and post-nasal drip (30.5%) were seen more in affected individuals. Conclusion Recognition of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction may help in diagnosis; further, it may help in restricting the disease transmission and progression to severe form.