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VOLUME 15 , ISSUE 1 ( January-April, 2024 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Prevalence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction and Its Prognostic Significance among COVID-19-Positive Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Institute

Souvagini Acharya, Rajat K Dash, Aishwarya Aparajita, Sidharth Pattnaik, Alka Kapil, Manas R Mishra

Keywords : Anosmia, Ageusia, Coronavirus disease-2019

Citation Information : Acharya S, Dash RK, Aparajita A, Pattnaik S, Kapil A, Mishra MR. Prevalence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction and Its Prognostic Significance among COVID-19-Positive Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Institute. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2024; 15 (1):20-24.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10013-1398

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 16-11-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken a toll on the healthcare system universally. With ongoing research and studies done to know the natural course of the disease along with its symptomatology, we are in urgent need of substantial knowledge for the control of this infection. Along with its specific clinical features, we tend to find more about the olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in these patients. Aim: To determine the prevalence of anosmia and ageusia and their prognostic significance among COVID-positive healthcare workers in a tertiary care institute. Materials and methods: An observational prospective study was conducted at VIMSAR, Burla Sambalpur, a tertiary care hospital in western Odisha, for a period of six months. All healthcare workers (HCWs) who were tested positive for COVID-19 infection were followed up. Detailed history regarding the symptoms, onset of anosmia and ageusia and its recovery, oxygen support requirement, and average symptomatic period was noted with the help of questionnaires and telephonic survey. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total 234 COVID-19-positive HCW patients were enrolled in the sample out of which 82.90% were symptomatic. The prevalence of anosmia and ageusia among them was 40.60 and 42.74%, respectively. Both were found to be statistically significant with p-value less than 0.05. The loss of smell and taste was temporary with a mean recovery time of 7.15 days. A total of 20 (8.54%) patients required oxygen support, signs of lung involvement, and average symptomatic period of 24.54 days, the majority (85%) of them had no loss of smell and/or taste sensation. Majority (97%) of the COVID-19-positive HCW patients in our study, having symptoms of anosmia and ageusia were fortunately recovered without any grievous complication with an average symptomatic period of 14.53 days, so these symptoms can be considered as a favorable prognostic indicator. Conclusion: Anosmia and ageusia in COVID-19-positive patients are hence found to be significant clinical symptoms. It can be used to aid early diagnosis and prompt treatment along with quick self-isolation to prevent the spread of the infection. The symptoms of anosmia and ageusia can be taken as a favorable prognostic indicator in COVID-19-positive patients.

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