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COVID-19

Olfactory Dysfunction After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Study Reveals Persistent Loss of Smell in Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Approximately 80% of people who contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic's original and Alpha waves reported losing their sense of smell. This debilitating symptom not only affects the quality of life but also poses significant health risks. Researchers have now conducted a study to understand the patterns of olfactory dysfunction in adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Key Takeaways:

  • 1,111 out of 1,393 SARS-CoV-2-infected participants reported loss in or change of smell or taste a mean of two years after infection, with 80% experiencing hyposmia on formal testing.
  • 321 (23%) had severe microsmia or anosmia, and the mean age- and sex-standardized score was at the 16th percentile.
  • Hyposmia was present in 1,031 of 1,563 participants (66%) with prior infection but no self-reported change or loss, with a mean age- and sex-standardized score at the 23rd percentile.
  • These findings suggest that occult hyposmia following infection with SARS-CoV-2 is common, and olfactory testing should be considered after infection to diagnose olfactory dysfunction and counsel patients about the risks of smell loss.
  • The study highlights the importance of early detection and intervention to improve the quality of life for patients experiencing olfactory dysfunction.

Statistics:

  • 80% of people with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection during the original and Alpha waves of the COVID-19 pandemic reported losing their sense of smell.
  • 1,111 out of 1,393 SARS-CoV-2-infected participants reported loss in or change of smell or taste a mean of two years after infection.
  • 321 participants (23%) had severe microsmia or anosmia.
  • The mean age- and sex-standardized score was at the 16th percentile for participants with severe microsmia or anosmia.
  • 1,031 out of 1,563 participants (66%) with prior infection but no self-reported change or loss had hyposmia.
  • The mean age- and sex-standardized score was at the 23rd percentile for participants with prior infection but no self-reported change or loss and hyposmia.

Sources:

  • "Olfactory Dysfunction After SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the RECOVER Adult Cohort" - JAMA Network Open
  • "Medicare Part D Coverage and Costs for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists" - JAMA
  • "School Provision of Universal Free Meals and Blood Pressure Outcomes Among Youths" - JAMA Network Open
  • "Low-Dose Aspirin for Individualized Cancer Prevention in Older Adults" - JAMA Oncology
  • "Insurance Dynamics During Childhood in the Fragmented US Health System" - JAMA

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