Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
The data collected so far on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus indicate that a sudden loss of smell may mean infection with a pathogen – even if the patient has no other symptoms. Scientists note that the lack of typical COVID-19 symptoms favors its spread by hidden vectors.
One of the problems that make stopping the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus outbreak difficult is the asymptomatic transmission of the infection by many patients. It also happens that the symptoms of COVID-19 are so nonspecific that hardly anyone associates them with the possibility of infection. An example is the sudden loss of smell or anosmia.
Anosmia is congenital, but it also occurs in the form of an acquired ailment. Often the loss of smell is the result of the common cold or other upper respiratory tract infections, including those caused by coronaviruses. The latest reports indicate that anosmia is also widespread among people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Even in South Korea in 30 percent of patients with confirmation of COVID-19 were diagnosed with loss of smell.
Scientists from the British Rhinological Society note the special nature of anosmia in the context of coronavirus – loss of sense of smell and taste may be the only symptom of infection. If accompanying symptoms such as fever or cough are absent, it is unlikely that a person with anosmia will be tested for coronavirus. Currently, in most countries, only patients who meet certain criteria are tested or isolated. Experts suspect that people who have experienced a sudden loss of smell may be the hidden carriers of COVID-19 and responsible for the rapid spread of infection.
Loss of sense of smell and taste, as well as any other medical symptoms, is a good idea to discuss with your doctor. Teleconsulting your GP is the first step in determining whether you are dealing with the flu, a cold, or COVID-19.
A significant increase in the number of people suffering from sudden loss of smell without other symptoms has recently been observed not only in South Korea, but also in Iran, France, the USA and northern Italy.
- Check if you may have been at risk of contracting the coronavirus. See our interactive survey
Self-isolation in case of loss of smell
The lack of typical symptoms of COVID-19 disease is primarily noticed in young people, so it is especially worth paying attention to anosmia in them. British experts note, however, that disturbances in the sense of smell and taste may be related not only to the presence of SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses in the patient’s body. The cause of this ailment are also other strains of coronaviruses or rhinoviruses. Thus, finding anosmia is not an ideal method of identifying an infection, but it may help in screening otherwise asymptomatic patients.
Sudden loss of smell and taste are likely to be linked to the infection that causes COVID-19, scientists are calling for at least weekly self-isolationif we notice this symptom. Such action would increase the chances of limiting the spread of the disease by people who are hidden carriers.
If a coronavirus infection is suspected, it is advisable to perform a Real-Time PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It is this type of genetic test that can confirm whether a person has actually been infected.
In their statement, experts also advise against administering corticosteroids to people with olfactory disorders that were not caused by nasal polyps or a head injury. This indication is related to reports of exacerbation of coronavirus infection in the administration of drugs from this group.
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.
Read also:
- New Coronavirus Symptoms? They are like dengue fever
- What’s new about the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and COVID-19 disease?
- Allergy, Flu or Coronavirus? Symptoms can be confusing
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.