Xerostomia, gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background The novel Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) continues to have profound effect on global health. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and characterize specific symptoms associated with COVID-19. Methods This retrospective study included 326 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection evaluated at the Emergency Department of the Umberto I Polyclinic Hospital, Rome, Italy between March 6th and April 30th, 2020. In order to assess xerostomia, olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions secondary to COVID-19, a telephone-based a modified survey obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014 for taste and smell disorders and the Fox Questionnaire for dry mouth were administered to 111 patients (34%) after discharge between June 4th and June 12th. Results Taste dysfunction was the most common reported symptom (59.5%; n = 66), followed by xerostomia (45.9%; n = 51) and olfactory dysfunctions (41.4%; n = 46). The most severe symptom was olfactory dysfunction with a median severity score of 8.5 (range: 5–10). Overall 74.5% ( n = 38) of patients with xerostomia, 78.8% ( n = 52) of patients with gustatory dysfunctions and 71.1% ( n = 33) of patients with olfactory dysfunctions reported that all symptoms appeared before COVID-19 diagnosis. Overall, the majority of patients reported one symptom only (45.9%, n = 51), 37 (33.3%) reported the association of two symptoms, and 23 (20.7%) patients reported the association of three symptoms at the same time. Conclusion Xerostomia, gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions may present as a prodromal or as the sole manifestation of COVID-19. Awareness is fundamental to identify COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease and limit the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 survivorship: How otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons can restore quality of life after critical illness

“…Symptoms often persist for 4–6 weeks, affecting patients' overall quality of life [ [18] , [19] , [20] ]. While early studies demonstrate a high rate of spontaneous resolution, the residual 10% with persistent olfactory dysfunction underscore the tremendous need for improved treatment options [ 21 ]. Rhinology expertise in post-viral olfactory disorders is critical for the continued development of objective screening measures and treatments for these debilitating sequelae [ 22 ].…”

Prevalence of dry mouth in COVID-19 patients with and without Sicca syndrome in a large hospital center

“…Several studies of self-reported complaints of COVID-19 patients have documented oral symptoms such as dry mouth and dysgeusia [ 4 , 5 ]. Few authors have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE-2 receptors on the epithelium of salivary glands, replicate, lyse cells, and propagate signs and symptoms, such as discomfort, inflammation, and pain in major salivary glands and resulting in chronic sialoadenitis [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…Few authors have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE-2 receptors on the epithelium of salivary glands, replicate, lyse cells, and propagate signs and symptoms, such as discomfort, inflammation, and pain in major salivary glands and resulting in chronic sialoadenitis [ 2 , 3 ]. Some authors have suggested that the dry mouth results from the neurotoxic effects of the virus on target organs with effects on CNS [ 4 ].…”

“…However, there is a dearth of information on the extent of the association between COVID-19 and dry mouth. Most of the existing literature is comprised of individual case reports or surveys reporting on symptoms from COVID -19 patients [4,5]. It was suggested that the reported xerostomia is caused by fibrosis repairment [4] or due to the neuroinvasive and neurotropism potential of SARS-CoV-2 [6].…”

Uncommon Presentation of COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients: Anosmia

“…7,8 Anosmia is one of the clinical manifestations in COVID-19 infection and has been reported in adult population in the literature with limited data for children. [9][10][11][12] The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, as well as clinical findings of children with anosmia in COVID-19positive pediatric patients.…”