The Pattern of Anosmia in Non-hospitalized Patients in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction It is now evident that the loss of smell and/or taste may be consistent accompanying symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Objective To estimate the social behavior of recent anosmic non-hospitalized patients in the COVID-19 pandemic and to try to obtain the natural pattern in society in a cross-sectional study. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted on 4,860 patients with anosmia complaints during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients who needed a consultation for an anosmia complaint confirmed that they had completed the survey regarding age, gender, history of general diseases, history of nasal disease, associated COVID-19 symptoms, smoking, blood group, and risk factors. Results A total of 4,860 patients with a mean age of 34.26 ± 11.91 years completed the study. There was a predominance of female patients: 3,150 (58.9%). Most patients (4,083 patients; 83%) developed sudden anosmia. In 85% (4131 patients) of the patients, a previous history of contact with anosmic patients was present. The most prevalent blood group was O (39%). In total, 67.4% of the patients underwent medical treatment. A history of unusual influenza attacks in December 2020 was reported by by 27% (1312 patients) of the patients. Conclusion Despite large diversity of behaviors among anosmic patients in the COVID-19 pandemic, we can observe a great similarity in the pattern of anosmia in non-hospitalized patients, especially in the way it spreads, the predisposing factors, and the individual recovery.

Anosmia in COVID-19 Patients: Can We Predict the Severity of Chest Manifestations?

“…This agrees with other studies done in our Middle East region and in other countries in Europe and in the USA. 4 7 10 11 Some of these studies suggested that the middle age group is more vulnerable to infection as they go out for work and studying, beside females having more concern about sense of smell than males. We found these explanations are reasonable for the wide agreement in different studies about the age and gender affected with anosmia.…”

“…Many studies 2 3 4 5 6 appeared in the last year, in a trial to discover and define the solid criteria for COVID-19 related anosmia. However, behavior among anosmic patients showed a large diversity.…”

“…Thus, it is worth studying the smell dysfunctions and different ENT manifestations of such a novel virus and there is a demand to know and define, with more precision, the smell dysfunction epidemiology and characteristics in COVID-19. 1 Many studies [2][3][4][5][6] appeared in the last year, in a trial to discover and define the solid criteria for COVID-19 related anosmia. However, behavior among anosmic patients showed a large diversity.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Daily Life and Medical Practice of Otolaryngology Physicians

“…4 Anosmia and ageusia are prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 infection. 5 All of the previously mentioned facts, in turn, have made otolaryngologists even more susceptible than their counterparts. 6…”

“…4 Anosmia and ageusia are prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 infection. 5 All of the previously mentioned facts, in turn, have made otolaryngologists even more susceptible than their counterparts. 6 The present study aimed to find if COVID-19 had a different impact on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians of various categories (residents, registrars, and consultants ) regarding many aspects of the quality of life (protection, training, financial, and psychological aspects) .…”