Olfactory and taste dysfunction in COVID-19-incidence and recovery

Abstract Background Olfactory and taste dysfunctions have been identified as prominent signs of COVID-19 infection. The data on its prevalence, time of onset, and recovery is highly variable. Objective The study was aimed at establishing the incidence of and the factors influencing smell and taste disorders in COVID-19-affected patients. Methodology Telephonic interviews were used to collect data on the symptoms of COVID-19-positive patients, with an emphasis on smell and taste disorders. Patients have severe disease and a history of illnesses that may affect olfaction or taste, and those unwilling to participate were excluded. Results A total of 1488 COVID-19-positive patients were identified. A total of 772 were included and interviewed, and their data were analysed. A total of 242 (31.3%) patients developed symptoms related to smell and/or taste. Anosmia (149) and ageusia (152) were the most common. Younger patients were more commonly affected (p = 0.0016). The presence and degree of smell symptoms and taste symptoms showed a small positive correlation (r = .234, p