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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Mathematics “Tullio Levi Civita”, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Favero & Silva Hajrulla & Anna Bordin & Carla Mucignat-Caretta & Piergiorgio Gaudioso & Bruno Scarpa & Lorenzo Favero & Giancarlo Ottaviano, 2022. "Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients Who Do Not Report Olfactory Symptoms: A Pilot Study with Some Suggestions for Dentists," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-10, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1036-:d:727270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marco Farronato & Elisa Boccalari & Ettore Del Rosso & Valentina Lanteri & Riaan Mulder & Cinzia Maspero, 2020. "A Scoping Review of Respirator Literature and a Survey among Dental Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-12, August.
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