We’ve known that COVID-19 can cause patients to temporarily lose their sense of smell. However, a new report estimates that 1.6 million people in the United States have experienced chronic loss of smell (anosmia) lasting at least six months following their infection.
The study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery,appears to be one of the first studies that focused on patients suffering from chronic anosmia due to COVID-19.
In most cases, loss of smell caused by a viral infection will resolve in a couple of weeks. For those experiencing anosmia lasting six months or longer, the prognosis is not good.
“Less than 20% can expect to recover smell after six months,” said study author Jay Piccirillo, an otolaryngologist at Washington University in St. Louis who is also an editor for JAMA Otolaryngology.
Piccirillo noted that one of his main motivations to study this issue was the increase of patients he and his colleagues were seeing in their clinics suffering from chronic anosmia.
The loss of smell can greatly diminish a person’s enjoyment of life. It takes away simple pleasures like enjoying the aroma of fresh coffee in the morning, savoring your favorite meal or appreciating the unique smells of your family and home. These can lead to feelings of depression and frustration.
People with anosmia can also lose the ability to detect harmful smells like gas or smoke, potentially putting their health at risk.
There is still so much to learn about COVID-19, its long-term effects, and what makes certain patients more prone to developing symptoms like chronic or permanent loss of smell. At Willamette ENT, we are committed to staying up to date on the latest developments and providing world-class care to patients struggling with the effects of COVID-19.
If you suspect your patients have been exposed to COVID, our expert physicians are here to help, specializing in state-of-the-art diagnostics and custom strategies to improve symptoms and help patients regain their quality of life.
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