A cross-sectional study of olfactory and taste disorders among COVID-19 patients in China

Mil Med Res. 2021 Sep 13;8(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s40779-021-00339-y.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence and clinical features of olfactory and taste disorders among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in China. A cross-sectional study was performed in Wuhan from April 3, 2020 to April 15, 2020. A total of 187 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) completed face-to-face interviews or telephone follow-ups. We found that the prevalence of olfactory and taste disorders was significantly lower in the Chinese cohort than in foreign COVID-19 cohorts. Females were more prone to olfactory and taste disorders. In some patients, olfactory and taste disorders precede other symptoms and can be used as early screening and warning signs.

Keywords: COVID-19; Olfactory; SARS-CoV-2; Taste.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Olfaction Disorders / epidemiology
  • Olfaction Disorders / etiology*
  • Prevalence
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sex Factors
  • Smell*
  • Taste Disorders / epidemiology
  • Taste Disorders / etiology*
  • Taste*
  • Young Adult