Abstract
BackgroundThe number of confirmed Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases in Indonesia had reached 1.4 million cases from a total population of 270 million. Smell and/or taste disturbances are frequently found as early symptoms of COVID-19 patients. Our study aimed to investigate the proportion and characteristics of anosmia and/or ageusia in COVID-19. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study identifies the proportion and severity of smell and taste disturbances in COVID-19 patients. Subjects were recruited by consecutive sampling. All subjects were required to fill in the questionnaire modified from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Anosmia Reporting Tool (AAO-HNS ART). Symptoms severity was measured with a numerical rating scale of 0–10; 0–3 is defined as mild, 4–6 as moderate, and 7–10 as severe. ResultsOut of 51 subjects, 34 (66.7%) suffered from smell and/or taste disturbances. Twenty-nine of 34 subjects (85.3%) suffered from smell disturbance, and 24 of 34 subjects (70.5%) suffered from taste disturbance. Severe smell disturbance occurred in 68.9% of subjects, while severe taste disturbance occurred in 50%. The median onset was three days for smell disturbance and four days for taste disturbance after any symptoms of COVID-19. ConclusionSmell and/or taste disturbances were early symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms commonly occurred within the first four days of clinical onset and frequently manifested in severe conditions.
Highlights
The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 patients vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic, mild to severe respiratory symptoms (ARDS), gastrointestinal disorders, or septic shock [1]
Subjects were grouped based on potential factors which may contribute to infection of COVID-19
Eight subjects (15.7%) were med ical personnel who worked in a healthcare facility, 41 subjects (80.4%) had increased potential of being infected by COVID-19 from outdoor activity and 22 subjects (43.1%) from indoor activity, while 37 subjects (75.2%) might have factors contributing to a decrease in the immune system (Table 2)
Summary
The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 patients vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic, mild to severe respiratory symptoms (ARDS), gastrointestinal disorders, or septic shock [1]. Research conducted by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) reported as many as 73% cases of smell disturbance patients positive for COVID-19 [3]. Smell and/or taste disturbances are frequently found as early symptoms of COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study identifies the proportion and severity of smell and taste dis turbances in COVID-19 patients. Severe smell disturbance occurred in 68.9% of subjects, while severe taste disturbance occurred in 50%. The median onset was three days for smell disturbance and four days for taste disturbance after any symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Smell and/or taste disturbances were early symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms commonly occurred within the first four days of clinical onset and frequently manifested in severe conditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
