Coronavirus Symptoms: ENT UK Report Suggests Loss of Smell (Anosmia) May Be a Clue to COVID-19 by Mei Marcie

While the standard coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms to watch out for include a fever, shortness of breath and cough, there's evidence of another symptom of the virus: loss of sense of smell (anosmia). ENT UK (The Royal College of Surgeons), a professional body of ear, nose, and throat surgeons and specialists in the United Kingdom, has noted that asymptomatic patients could experience a loss of smell or taste (anosmia) after contracting coronavirus.

According to the statement released by ENT UK, "Post-viral anosmia is one of the leading causes of loss of sense of smell in adults, accounting for up to 40 percent cases of anosmia. Viruses that give rise to the common cold are well known to cause post-infectious loss, and over 200 different viruses are known to cause upper respiratory tract infections. Previously described coronaviruses are thought to account for 10 to 15 percent cases. It is therefore perhaps no surprise that the novel COVID-19 virus would also cause anosmia in infected patients."

Though not yet widely accepted as a coronavirus symptom, about 30 percent of mild cases of COVID-19 patients in South Korea reported losing their sense of smell. More than two in three patients in Germany also reported similar symptoms. ENT UK further highlighted that corticosteroid use may increase the severity of COVID-19 infection, and therefore advised against the use of oral steroids in the treatment of new onset anosmia during this pandemic, particularly if it is unrelated to head trauma or nasal pathology.

ENT UK suggests that people without other symptoms, just the loss of sense of smell and taste, self-isolate to reduce the spread of the virus despite not showing the symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Given that medical data, evidence and studies are still evolving, it is worth noting this symptom so that we can help protect ourselves and others by self-isolating or social distancing.

Read the full ENT UK report. Here's ENT UK's advice for patients with new on-set anosmia during COVID-19 pandemic.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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