by Dr ANSAR AHAMED
Otolaryngologist
Everyone is aware of fever, cough, and difficulties in breathing as common symptoms of Covid-19.
However, a surprising, yet increasingly prevalent symptom, the loss of smell, often goes unnoticed. Let’s dig deeper and unmask this mystery.
The Olfactory Anomaly: Anosmia in Covid-19
Anosmia, or loss of smell, is quickly becoming a leading indicator of a Covid-19 infection.
The constant dance of the aromas around us is inexplicably linked to our daily experiences – from smelling a delicious cup of coffee in the morning to the scent of flowers in the garden.
But with the loss of smell this connection with the world can vanish in an instant, leaving one feeling disconnected and isolated.
Before you dismiss it as some random happening, let’s explore the connection.
The Biological Explanation: How Covid-19 Might Be Causing Loss of Smell
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for Covid-19, can invade cells in the nose and throat.
However, it’s capable of some additional trespassing as well – right into your olfactory epithelium, the sense organ responsible for your sense of smell.
It affects the supporting cells called Sustentacular cells thus indirectly affecting Olfactory sensory neurons.
A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology reveals how this key symptom can strike irrespective of severity, often appearing in mild cases or even predating other symptoms.
Variability in Symptom Onset: Why Anosmia is Hard to Track
Anosmia is like a surprise party – you never know when it might hit.
Some Covid-19 patients reported losing their sense of smell before other symptoms, some after, and some, frustratingly, at random.
Degree of Severity: From Mild to Complete Loss of Smell
How much smell can you lose?
Severity varies dramatically, from a mild hindrance to total loss of smell.
The Temporary or Permanent Dilemma: Anosmia’s Duration in Covid-19 Patients
Thankfully, anosmia tends to reverse as the body recovers from the infection, usually within weeks.
Some regain their smell after a few days, while for others, it can be months.
However, not everybody regains their sense of smell at the same pace.
Long-Covid patients may have to struggle with the consequences for an uncertain time, and in rare cases, the loss might be even permanent.
Anosmia vs Common Cold
You might argue – ‘But I’ve experienced a loss of smell during a common cold too.’ True, but there’s a key difference.
- With a common cold, the loss of smell results from a blocked nose.
- However, with Covid-19, anosmia often occurs without any nasal blockage.
The British Rhinological Society suggests that sudden, unexplained loss of smell may be indicative of asymptomatic Covid-19 cases, increasing the importance of immediate isolation and testing.
A Tricky Diagnostic Indicator
Anosmia may pose a potential diagnostic marker in the absence of other Covid-19 symptoms.
However, considering variability in individuals’ sense of smell, its exclusive use as a diagnostic tool may not be entirely reliable.
Anosmia in Covid-19: Data, Rates, and Correlation
Research suggests that more than 60% of Covid-19 patients experience some form of anosmia – that’s not just significant, it’s alarming.
The Psychological Repercussions of Anosmia: The Silent Suffering
It’s no secret that losing your sense of smell can take a psychological toll.
Loss of smell has a big impact on physical and psychological wellbeing of a person.Patient will also loose sense of taste and losing senses of taste and smell can lead to severe mental distress.
It can affect your appetite, safety, and overall quality of life.
Personal Stories: Recovery Experiences from Covid-19 Patients
For those who have personally experienced it, anosmia can be quite unsettling.
Imagine not being able to smell your morning coffee or a fragrant rose!
“It’s a unique disorientation. It messes up the connection you have with your surroundings,” shares Alice, a Covid-19 survivor who encountered a temporary loss of smell.
Olfactory Training Exercise
Olfactory training, a technique involving regular sniffing of certain scents, can help hasten the recovery process. As advised by ENT UK, the practice includes sniffing four different smells – roses, lemon, eucalyptus, and cloves – for a couple of minutes each day
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Can all Covid-19 patients experience anosmia?
Not all, but a substantial number can. Research indicates around 60% of Covid-19 patients may experience some degree of anosmia.
Is Anosmia in Covid-19 temporary or permanent?
In most cases, it’s temporary. Many people regain their sense of smell in a few weeks or months. However, for those with ‘long Covid’, anosmia can linger.
What is the current state of treatment for Covid-induced Anosmia?
Treatment options are still evolving, but olfactory training is one proven method currently being used. More research is needed in this arena, however.
Conclusion
The unusual symptom of smell loss associated with Covid-19 has sparked much interest and investigation.
While one should not jump to conclusions based solely on a sudden absence of smell, being vigilant of this potential symptom is advisable in these challenging times.
Like the myriad other ways our lives are changing due to Covid-19, acknowledging, understanding, and accommodating the implication of smell loss is one more frontier in our collective fight against the virus.