According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses; It is a family of viruses that cause diseases such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
What are the Causes of Loss of Taste and Smell?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses; It is a family of viruses that cause diseases such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Countries around the world are intensely continuing their fight against the novel coronavirus. One of the signs of infection detected in this process is the loss of taste and smell. It is stated that the reason for these sensory losses is the disturbance in the stimulation of the vessels feeding the taste and smell nerves. The loss of these senses, which you need to perceive your environment and the foods you consume, significantly affects your daily life.
What is Loss of Taste and Smell?
Smell, through olfactory cells in the nose; Taste, on the other hand, takes place through cells in the taste buds of the mouth and throat. Both cell types naturally decline after age 60. In addition, there may be loss of smell and taste due to reasons such as unintended weight loss, poor eating habits and depression.
The most common smell and taste disorders are:
- Anosmia: Loss of sense of smell
- Ageusia: Loss of sense of taste
- Hyposmia: Decreased sense of smell
- Hypogeusia: Decreased taste in sweet, sour, bitter or salty substances
One of the serious health problems in which there is a lack of smell and taste is the new coronavirus (Covid-19) infection, which is the disease on our agenda. Since the onset of the coronavirus epidemic, a wide variety of symptoms of the disease have been identified. Studies have shown that most people with coronavirus infection experience loss of smell and taste. it is The inability to smell with the nose open, severe smell disorder and loss of taste are among the symptoms of coronavirus. These symptoms may accompany other symptoms of the coronavirus or may manifest themselves alone.
If you experience sudden loss of smell or taste that is not associated with a cold, allergy or chronic rhinitis (nasal cavity inflammation), you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
What are the Symptoms of a Loss of Taste and Smell?
Symptoms of loss of taste and smell can range from an inability to smell or taste at all to a reduced ability to smell or taste sweet, sour, bitter, or salty substances. . In some cases, normally pleasant flavors or smells may be offensive.
What are the causes of Taste and Smell loss outside of corona?
Although some people may be born with these disorders, most loss of taste and smell is due to:
- Illness (for example, cold or flu, sinus infection, and allergies)
- Head trauma
- Hormone changes
- Tooth or mouth problems
- Nasal polyps
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Some drugs
- Exposure to therapeutic radiation in head or neck cancer
- Use of cocaine
- Smoking
How to Diagnose Loss of Taste and Smell?
In addition to obtaining a complete medical history and performing a physical examination, comparing the taste and odor of different chemicals Taste tests applied to certain parts of the tongue can be done with tests for the tongue.
There are two different methods called "8 test" and "40 test" applied for the diagnosis of smell and taste disorders. The 8-point test determines which odor the person perceives and at what level. In this way, results based on odor discrimination scores are obtained.
Other than this, a 40 test can be done. This is mostly based on distinguishing different odors from each other. However, it takes quite a long time in terms of time. 40 different scents are tested and after each scent it is necessary to wait a few minutes.
In addition to these tests, your doctor may also request other tests such as computed tomography, MRI or endoscopy.
How to Lose Taste and Smell What is the Treatment?
Your age, general health, medical history, and the severity of your taste and smell loss determine your treatment. Treatment may include:
- Stopping or changing medications that contribute to the disease
- Correction of the underlying medical problem
- Surgical removal of obstructions that may cause loss of taste and smell
- Quitting smoking
Important Points About Taste and Smell
- Loss of sense of smell and taste is the most common smell and taste disorders.
- Other disorders include a reduced ability to smell or taste sweet, sour, bitter, or salty substances.
- For some people, normally pleasant flavors or smells can be offensive.
- Treatments for smell and taste disorders usually involve treating the underlying cause.
- Smell and taste disorders can negatively affect your quality of life, so they should be treated.
Loss of Taste and Smell in Coronavirus
Since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic, it has been revealed that many people who have experienced the infection have lost their sense of smell and taste. However, the problem is not limited to severe patients. It appears to be a common and even "cardinal" symptom among people with milder coronavirus infections. Cardinal symptoms are the key signs by which the diagnosis is made.
In a study of European patients with mild to moderate coronavirus infection, 86% of patients reported problems with their sense of smell. In addition, there were changes in the sense of taste. Colds and respiratory viruses can sometimes trigger a loss of smell. It is known that the loss of smell, called anosmia, leads to a decrease in the sense of taste. However, it is also possible for the coronavirus to have a direct effect on the sense of taste.
When Does the Loss of Taste and Smell in the Coronavirus Pass?
American Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery Preliminary data published from the American Academy of Sciences (AAO-HNS) shows that 27% of Covid-19 patients who lost their sense of smell experienced "some improvement" in about 7 days, while most patients got better within 10 days.
Most coronavirus patients. Although it can completely overcome the problem of loss of taste and smell, in some patients the loss of taste and smell may be permanent. B Few patients can partially regain their olfactory function. The fact that this symptom is so common is cause for concern. Because loss of smell is not a problem to be taken lightly and negatively affects daily life. For example, you cannot detect a burning substance if you cannot smell it. This will not protect you from dangers.
Methods to Restore Your Sense of Taste and Smell after Coronavirus Infection
A specific drug that can help restore your sense of smell after being infected with the virus not found. However, scent training can have a positive effect.
Smell training is the process of exposing yourself to a variety of strong scents for a period of time in the hopes that they will help restore or at least improve your sense of smell. Strong scents such as rose, eucalyptus, lemon and clove may be recommended.
Is There a Loss of Taste and Smell in Colds and Flu? Differences from Loss of Smell in Coronavirus
European researchers say that the loss of smell that can accompany coronavirus is unique and different from that experienced by someone with a cold or flu. Loss of smell in people with coronavirus tends to be sudden and severe. This infection can cause loss of smell by invading the brain and nervous system without causing nasal congestion.
Another condition that distinguishes the loss of sensation seen in the coronavirus is "true" taste loss. Taste is also somewhat impaired due to the dysfunction of the sense of smell. Coronavirus patients who experience loss of taste cannot really understand the difference between bitter and sweet.
Experts state that coronavirus is directly related to the sense of smell and taste and does this by affecting nerve cells. you should be suspicious. Other common symptoms of coronavirus are high fever, new and persistent cough, and fatigue. If you show these symptoms, you should isolate yourself and contact your healthcare professionals. If you say "My nose is open but I can't smell", you can consult the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals and ask for suggestions. You can use the contact form on our website to reach us.
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