Anosmia and Dysgeusia in the Absence of Other Respiratory Diseases: Should COVID-19 Infection Be Considered?
- PMID: 32309267
- PMCID: PMC7162576
- DOI: 10.12890/2020_001641
Anosmia and Dysgeusia in the Absence of Other Respiratory Diseases: Should COVID-19 Infection Be Considered?
Abstract
We describe two elderly patients evaluated at emergency departments for anosmia/dysgeusia in the absence of any other respiratory symptoms prior to or upon admission. In the current epidemiological context, clinical and biological work-up led to a diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Unfortunately, one of the patients died during hospitalization, but the other recovered and was discharged.
Learning points: In the current epidemiological situation, anosmia and dysgeusia in the absence of other respiratory conditions should be carefully evaluated.Special attention should be given to patients with non-classic COVID-19 symptoms in order to reduce transmission and protect health providers.
Keywords: 2019-nCoV; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; anosmia; dysgeusia.
© EFIM 2020.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflicts of Interests: The Authors declare that there are no competing interests.
References
-
- World Health Organization. Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov): situation report, 2. Jan 22, 2020. [accessed 2 April 2020]. Available from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/330761.
-
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Coronavirus disease 2019: resources. [accessed 23 March 2020]. Available from https://www.entnet.org/content/coronavirus-disease-2019-resources.
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Miscellaneous