Anosmia and Ageusia: Possible Signs of COVID-19 | 25 Mar 2020

Why in News

Recently, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists have noted a growing number of patients with anosmia (the abrupt loss of smell) and ageusia (loss of sense of taste). Both anosmia and ageusia could be signs of COVID-19 in people who otherwise appear well.

• The World Health Organisation lists the most common signs of COVID-19 as fever, tiredness and dry cough.

Anosmia

• Anosmia is the partial or complete loss of the sense of smell. This loss may be temporary or permanent.
• It is caused by a swelling or blockage in the nose that prevents odors from getting to the top of the nose.
• Respiratory viral infection is a common cause of loss of smell. The sense of smell usually returns when the infection is over.
• Other main causes of anosmia:
  
  • Irritation to the mucous membranes lining the nose.
  • Blockage of the nasal passages.
  • Brain or nerve damage.
• Complications: People with anosmia may not be able to fully taste foods and may lose interest in eating.
  
  • This can lead to weight loss or malnutrition.

Ageusia

• Ageusia is a condition that is characterized by a complete loss of taste function of the tongue.
  
  • People who have a reduced ability to taste are said to have hypogeusia.
• Common Causes:
  
  • Aging
  • Nasal airway problems.
  • Upper airway infection, such as sinus infection, tonsillitis, or sore throat.

Source: TH