COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction - an ENT perspective to the current COVID-19 pandemic

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Anneclaire V. Vroegop - , University of Antwerp (Author)
  • Anne Sophie Eeckels - , University of Antwerp (Author)
  • Vincent Van Rompaey - , University of Antwerp (Author)
  • Dirk Vanden Abeele - , GZA Hospital Sint-Vincentius (Author)
  • Michele Schiappoli - , Ospedale Policlinico (Author)
  • Isam Alobid - , University of Barcelona (Author)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Clotilde De Dorlodot - , CHU UCL Namur (Author)
  • Patrick Levie - , University of Antwerp, CHIREC Hospital Group (Author)
  • Caroline Huart - , Université catholique de Louvain (Author)
  • Philippe Eloy - , CHU UCL Namur (Author)
  • Olivier M. Vanderveken - , University of Antwerp (Author)
  • Peter W. Hellings - , KU Leuven (Author)
  • Philippe Rombaux - , CHIREC Hospital Group (Author)
  • Philippe Gevaert - , Ghent University (Author)

Abstract

The current COVID-19 or Sars-CoV-2 pandemic increased awareness of hyposmia or anosmia, as this can be an accompanying symptom. In mild cases, anosmia without rhinorrhea can be the only presenting symptom of this infection. Timely identification can lead to early detection of otherwise asymptomatic carriers. History taking and essential clinical assessment with appropriate protective measures can be performed in patients in whom COVID-19 is suspected. Patients with anosmia without nasal obstruction should be considered COVID-19 suspect and this should initiate testing or self-isolation. As for treatment of hyposmia or anosmia, the authors do not advise treatment with systemic corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19. Based on expert opinion, nasal corticosteroids can be considered, with a preference for spray formulation. Patients who were already using topical or inhalation corticosteroids for proven pre-existing disease (such as asthma and/or allergy) should be advised to continue their maintenance therapy. ENT (Ear Nose Throat) focus on hyposmia and anosmia should be continued, to gain additional knowledge of the disease mechanisms of COVID-19 and improve follow-up, not only on the pneumological aspects but also to evaluate the impact on quality of life of potentially long-term side effects caused by anosmia.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)81-85
Number of pages5
Journal B-ENT : a publication of the Royal Belgian Society for ENT and Head and Neck Surgery
Volume16
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2020
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/152545983

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Anosmia, COVID-19, hyposmia, olfactory dysfunction, respiratory tract infection