Olfactory and Gustatory Outcomes in COVID-19: A Prospective Evaluation in Nonhospitalized Subjects

Abstract

Objective: To prospectively assess the rate and timing of recovery of olfactory (OD) and gustatory (GD) dysfunction in patients affected by COVID-19.

Study design: Cohort study.

Setting: Population-based evaluation in a COVID-19 high-prevalence region.

Subjects and methods: We analyzed the clinical course of OD and GD in a cohort of home-quarantined SARS-CoV-2-positive patients from Northern Italy. Physicians administered a survey-based questionnaire at recruitment (T0). During follow-up, patients responded to online dedicated surveys modulated according to symptoms at T0.

Results: A total of 151 patients completed the follow-up survey. OD and/or GD were observed in 83% and 89% of subjects, respectively. Resolution rates of OD and GD at 30 days from onset were 87% and 82%, respectively. Risk factors for late resolution were grade of dysfunction at onset (total vs partial), gender, and presence of nasal congestion. Three (2%) patients previously reporting complete resolution of symptoms complained of subsequent recurrence of OD and/or GD after a mean of 19 days from resolution of the previous episode.

Conclusion: COVID-19-related OD and GD had high rate of resolution in the first month from onset of symptoms. However, in 10% to 15% of patients, these symptoms showed only partial improvement after this period.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; gustatory dysfunction; olfactory dysfunction; recovery; smell; taste.

Figure 1.

Kaplan-Meier curves showing the recovery pattern of olfactory dysfunction in the entire series (A), according to gender (B), nasal congestion (C), and grade of olfactory dysfunction at presentation (D).

Figure 2.

Kaplan-Meier curves showing the recovery pattern of gustatory dysfunction in the entire series (A), according to gender (B), nasal congestion (C), and grade of gustatory dysfunction at presentation (D).