Impact of the smell loss on the quality of life and adopted coping strategies in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Purpose To study the impact of smell loss on quality of life in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 , and assess the importance of olfaction before and after the loss of smell. In addition, to assess the impact of smell loss on psychological well-being and distress, and to assess coping strategies used by COVID-19 patients with smell loss. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 487 COVID-19 positive patients with anosmia were recruited. All participants filled in the validated Multi-Clinic Smell and Taste Questionnaire, and the validated General Well-being Schedule. Results Negative impacts of smell loss, associated risks, interference with daily activities, and deterioration in well-being were common. The importance of the sense of smell was evaluated (In relation to other senses) as higher in the period after the loss than before the loss (p < 0.001). All aspects of health-related QOL are statistically significant (p < 0.001), with the exception of financial security and friendship, which are not statistically significant (p = 0.129, p = 0.334), respectively. Psychological well-being was negatively affected, and the use of both problem-and emotion-focused strategies was common. Conclusion COVID-19 Patients with loss of smell have significant reductions in health-related QOL. Their loss of smell directly affects daily activities related to the olfactory function. Therefore, priority should be given to diagnose and treat the loss of smell. Patients who have recently developed smell loss may be offered a combination of the problem-and emotionfocused strategies to cope with their condition.

Oral Mucosa, Saliva, and COVID-19 Infection in Oral Health Care

“…Fiftytwo patients reported a change in their spicy taste perception, 54 in salty taste, 53 in sour taste, and 61 in sweet taste. In a comparison between men and women, COVID-19 induce taste changes and changes in taste subgroups were found to be common among women, but this needs further investigations (55,56). A possible reason for the loss of taste in COVID-19 might be due to the increasing number of ACE-2 receptors on the tongue keratinocytes and the keratinocyte cell death and slough production can block taste buds which can adversely affect taste perception (53,57).…”

Olfactory dysfunction at six months after coronavirus disease 2019 infection

“…Patients with Covid-19-related loss of smell have significant reductions in health-related quality of life and psychological well-being. 12 Moreover, Siegel et al . 13 found that olfactory dysfunction in older adults was associated with decreased sexual motivation and satisfaction.…”

Impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a systematic review

“…We found that in three studies, QoL assessment was obtained through an online platform. Various questionnaires were used to assess the QoL, including the short version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders – Negative Statements, 8 the Multi-Clinic Smell and Taste Questionnaire, 10 the General Well-Being Schedule 10 and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. 11 In one study, standard questions were used during clinical evaluations at the Virginia Commonwealth University of Smell and Taste Center.…”

“… 11 In one study, standard questions were used during clinical evaluations at the Virginia Commonwealth University of Smell and Taste Center. 10 …”