Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, it has been reported from multiple countries around the world that a significant number of patients contracting the virus have noticed a reduction in their sense of smell and taste. In some people with COVID-19, this may be the only symptom. However, fever and cough are still the main symptoms.
ENT-UK have recently highlighted this in the media. If you have recently lost your sense of smell and taste, you may have been exposed to COVID-19. If this is the case you should consider self-isolation for 7 days. Coronavirus: What should I do?: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51711227
Research into COVID-19 symptoms at King’s College London states that 18% of those patients reporting one or more symptoms of coronavirus on the Covid Symptom Tracker app reported loss of sense of smell or taste.
If your lack of smell and taste persists and you haven’t been infected with coronavirus, or you have recovered, you may need to see an ENT specialist to investigate this further.
Loss of sense of smell and taste is a frequent presentation to ENT clinics. The common cold and flu viruses are one of the most common causes. These viruses cause inflammation of the lining of the nose, affecting the delicate smell or olfactory area at the top of the nose. Without smell, we are unable to taste. Hence why smell and taste are usually lost at the same time. The smell and taste usually returns to normal within a few weeks without any specific treatment.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering video consultations for ENT patients during this time. This includes consultations for children. Please contact us for more information or to book.
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