Olfactory and gustatory disorders in COVID-19

Ludger Klimek; Jan Hagemann; Julia Döge; Laura Freudelsperger; Mandy Cuevas; Felix Klimek; Thomas Hummel

doi:10.1007/s40629-022-00216-7

Olfactory and gustatory disorders in COVID-19

Allergo J Int. 2022;31(7):243-250. doi: 10.1007/s40629-022-00216-7. Epub 2022 Jun 20.

Authors

Ludger Klimek^{1

2}, Jan Hagemann², Julia Döge², Laura Freudelsperger², Mandy Cuevas³, Felix Klimek¹, Thomas Hummel³

Affiliations

¹ Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany.
² Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Langenbeck Str. 1, 55101 Mainz, Germany.
³ Universitätsklinikum der Carl Gustav Carus-Universität Dresden, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.

Abstract

Loss of olfaction is one of the symptoms most commonly reported by patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the spontaneous recovery rate is high, recent studies have shown that up to 7% of patients remain anosmic for more than 12 months after the onset of infection, leaving millions of people worldwide suffering from severe olfactory impairment. Olfactory training remains the first recommended treatment. With the continued lack of approved drug treatments, new therapeutic options are being explored. This article reviews the current state of science on COVID-19-related olfactory disorders, focusing on epidemiology, pathophysiology, cure rates, currently available treatment options, and research on new treatments.

Keywords: Anosmia; COVID-19; Olfactory dysfunction; Postviral anosmia; Rhinitis.

Publication types

Review