Loss of smell and taste in COVID-19 infection in adolescents. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Lakshit; Kahlon, Namrata; Jain, Avani; Kaur, Jasleen; Singh, Mitasha; Pandey, A.K.
• Is Part Of: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Volume 142(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Anosmia -- Hyposmia -- COVID-19 -- Dysgeusia -- Children -- Adolescents; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Oto-rhino-laryngologie -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.9209751
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110626
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-5876

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To study the prevalence, clinical course and outcomes of olfactory and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 positive adolescents. Methods: This prospective study was carried out from May to August 2020. The adolescents, aged 10–19 years, who were detected COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR with mild to moderate disease were included in the study. The following epidemiological and clinical outcomes were studied: age, sex, general symptoms, olfactory and taste dysfunction. Results: Out of 141 patients included in the study, there were 83 males (58.9%) and 58 females (41.1%). The age varied from 10 to 19 years with an average of 15.2 years. Forty patients (28.4%) had olfactory or taste dysfunction. Out of these 40 patients, 28 patients (19.8%) had both olfactory and taste dysfunction. Of the 34 patients (24.1%) who complained of olfactory dysfunction, 16 patients complained of hyposmia and 18 patients complained of anosmia. Dysgeusia was reported by 34 patients (24.1%). The duration of OTD varied from 2 to 15 days with an average of 5.7 days. Conclusion: Loss of smell and taste are common symptoms in COVID-19 positive adolescents. It recovers spontaneously within a few weeks, along with the resolution of other symptoms.