Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Who Do Not Report Olfactory Symptoms: A Pilot Study with Some Suggestions for Dentists

Riccardo Favero, Silva Hajrulla, Anna Bordin, Carla Mucignat-Caretta, Piergiorgio Gaudioso, Bruno Scarpa, Lorenzo Favero and Giancarlo Ottaviano
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Riccardo Favero: Dentistry Section, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Silva Hajrulla: Dentistry Section, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Anna Bordin: Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Carla Mucignat-Caretta: Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Piergiorgio Gaudioso: Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Bruno Scarpa: Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
Lorenzo Favero: Dentistry Section, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Giancarlo Ottaviano: Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-10

Abstract: Background: Smell and taste dysfunction are frequently reported by SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. The degree of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction varies from a very mild reduction to their complete loss. Several studies have been performed to determine their prevalence in COVID-19 patients, mostly using subjective measurement methods. The literature lacks long-term studies regarding duration and recovery. Methods: We assessed olfactory performance, using the Sniffin’ Sticks olfactory test, in a group of patients who had not reported olfactory dysfunction, around 131 days after their COVID-19 diagnosis. Results: 11 out of 20 subjects showed no olfactory reduction (65%), while 9 subjects showed reduced TDI score (45%). A total of 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for Threshold, 16 subjects (80%) scored above the cutoff point for discrimination and 13 subjects (65%) scored above the cutoff point for identification. Conclusion: Objective measurement methods of olfactory performance show a higher prevalence of olfactory reduction compared to patients’ self-reported questionnaires. Olfactory dysfunction can last even months after its onset and because of its high prevalence, it could be a screening symptom for suspect COVID-19 cases.

Keywords: COVID-19; smell; olfactory disfunction; dentistry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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