LOSS OF SMELL (ANOSMIA ) IN COVID 19
Otolaryngeal manifestations are the common symptoms of COVID 19.
Patients present with dry cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing, running nose, nasal congestion and even dizziness. Usually , all Upper respiratory tract symptoms appear in the initial stages. In fact, they could be present even before the molecular confirmation of SARS- CoV2.
Apart from these, one common symptom which was quite uncommon in the pre-COVID 19 era but has become very common in COVID affected patients is Anosmia / Hyposmia (loss of sense of smell) often accompanied by loss of taste. Isolated sudden Anosmia is commonly observed in younger patients suffering from COVID 19. Countries severly affected by SARS-CoV-2 like Italy, UK,South Korea have presented data that a significant number of patients with COVID 19 were affected by anosmia ( loss of smell). In fact, South Korea reported that 30% of its affected patients had anosmia. Also there are many reports / publications which say that COVID 19 may present with isolated anosmia without any other symptoms. These patients could be hidden carriers and a source of rapid spread of COVID 19.
