A Cross-Sectional Study of Olfactory and Taste Disorders in COVID-19 Patients in China

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalance and features of olfactory and taste disorders in coronavirus disease of 2019（CoVID-19）patients in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from 3 April to 15 April 2020 in Wuhan. A total of 187 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection completed face-to-face interviews or telephone follow-up. Patients information including epidemiological, clinical, imaging, and serological records and treatment and outcomes data. Patients were further evaluated using questionnaires and visual analogue scale. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software (version 22.0). Results The enrolled 187 patients, 23 (12.3%) reported olfactory disorders, 42 (22.46%) reported taste disorders. Females are more prone to olfactory and taste disorders. Among patients that can clearly describe the fluctuation of olfactory and taste disfunctions, 4 (20.0%) and 7(18.92%) cases occurred before other symptoms appeared, the average number of days in advance was 3.5 and 3.57, respectively. The majority of patients can return to normal or basic normal, but in 4(17.39%) and 9(21.43%) cases olfactory and taste can not fully recoveried during the research period. Conclusions Prevalence of olfactory and taste disorders substantially lower in China cohorts compared to abroad COVID-19 cohorts. The prevalence of olfactory and taste disorders in COVID-19 patients was higher in females than in males. In some patients, olfactory and taste disorders precede other symptoms and can be used as a symbol for early screening and warning. The restoration of olfactory and taste function was independent of age; females recover more easily than males; olfactory or taste disorders was not easily recovered for patients with clinically classified as severe; when olfactory or taste disorders itself was serious, it was not easy to recover; olfactory or taste disorders occured early in the disease were more likely to be recovered, otherwise they were hard to be recovered.