"Although a part of them recover their ability to smell spontaneously, there is another part in which this problem persists", explain the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology

Loss of smell is the first symptom of COVID-19 in one out of every five cases

photo_camera REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko - People wearing masks

One in five patients diagnosed with COVID-19 presents loss of smell as the first symptom of the disease, so it can be a sign of suspicion of contagion, remind from the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) on the occasion of the World Day of Anosmia that takes place this February 27th.

"This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of smell, a sense that influences food selection and nutrient intake, interpersonal relationships, quality of life in general and the detection of potentially toxic and dangerous substances," says the society.

Loss of smell has marked the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the most prominent symptoms with a prevalence of 53%, especially in young, non-hospitalised patients, as SEORL-CCC has been able to verify in different studies.

"This is because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is located in the respiratory epithelium, so it can affect the olfactory neuroepithelium. Although a part of them recover their olfactory capacity spontaneously, there is another part in which this problem persists and in which the solution lies in olfactory training," they explain.

In addition to COVID-19, there are other causes that can lead to anosmia or loss of smell, such as other viruses like the flu or colds. Other causes include congenital causes, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, trauma, certain drugs or after nasal surgery.

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