Recovery rates and parosmia in olfactory loss during the COVID-19 era.

INTRODUCTION

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common symptom of COVID-19. In some patients, OD persists for many months, fluctuates during recovery or parosmia may occur. Knowledge about the prognosis of these patients is insufficient.

METHODS

Data on chemosensory function and possible prognostic factors were collected through a baseline questionnaire and six follow-up questionnaires answered at 2-3-month intervals.

RESULTS

One year after onset of OD, 42.0% of the respondents reported sustained complete recovery, 41.7% reported partial recovery and 2.4% reported no improvement of olfaction. Follow-up was unavailable for 13.9%. Parosmia, high severity of OD and female sex were associated with lower rates of recovery. Subjects who reported that OD had a high impact on their quality of life were less likely to recover within one month. Smoking, alcohol habits, BMI and physical activity were not associated with persistence of OD.

CONCLUSIONS

High recovery rates were reported within the first months. Recovery of sensory function after more than six months with no prior improvement was reported. After one year, 97.1% of participants with at least one year of follow-up had reported at least some recovery. Recurring OD after initial complete recovery was reported by 24.5% of participants. Parosmia and severity of OD were associated with prolonged recovery rates.

FUNDING: AF received research funding from Velux Fonden. The sponsors had no say nor any responsibilities in relation to the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.