Does covid-19 causes loss of smell and taste permanently?

The loss of smell and taste is an early symptom of COVID-19 that is most likely to occur by the 3rd day of infection. About 75% of covid-19 patients reported a temporary loss of smell or anosmia. As smell is essential to taste flavor, loss of smell can also lead to loss of taste. Loss of these senses show a major impact on food preferences. Researchers also found that white blood cells count were low in covid patients who reported loss of smell compared to coronavirus-infected patients who did not lose their sense of smell and taste.

A study reported that SARS-CoV-2 (covid-19) virus causes an inflammatory reaction inside the nose that can lead to a loss of a type of olfactory, or smell, neurons. Patients do not experience any blocked nose or runny nose, but experience rancid smell and metallic taste and few were unable to taste food for months. Potential risks of losing sense of smell include not being able to detect smoke, leaking gas or rotten food. However, patient may show improvement within 4 weeks, and in some it takes 6 months or more to recover. 

Patients with loss of smell can try olfactory training that can be done at home and has been the most helpful in regenerating smell fibers to work again. The olfactory training involves smelling four different essential oils like, rose, lemon, cloves and eucalyptus for about 20 seconds each every day. People may also benefit by joining online supporting groups and forums. Therefore, senses of smell and taste can recover back by taking olfactory therapy, making the meals more stimulating by selecting meals with variety of colors and by using aromatic herbs and spices for stronger flavors.

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