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October 10, 2025Open Access

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

Key Points

Olfactory dysfunction prevalence was 66.5%, while gustatory dysfunction was at 62.5% among COVID-19 patients.
40% of patients experienced recovery from sensory loss within the first two weeks post-infection.
Increased prevalence of otolaryngological complaints such as sore throat and nasal obstruction was observed.
Younger individuals, specifically in their 30s, showed higher incidences of both olfactory and gustatory dysfunction.

Abstract

Abstract 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.

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