Is the perception of odour pleasantness shared across cultures and ecological conditions? Evidence from Amazonia, East Africa, New Guinea, Malaysia and Poland.

What makes an odour pleasant or unpleasant? The inherent properties of the constituent chemical compounds, or the nose of the beholder, driven by idiosyncratic differences and culture-specific learning? Here, 582 individuals, including Tanzanian Hadza hunter-gatherers, Amazonian Tsimane' horticulturalists, Yali from the Papuan highlands and two industrialized populations (Poles, Malaysians), rated the pleasantness of 15 odour samples. We find considerable similarities in odour assessments across cultures, but our data do not fully support a claim regarding the universality of smell preferences. Despite cross-cultural similarities in olfactory assessments, probably driven by odour properties, we suggest that odour availability in ecological and cultural niches bears an undeniable effect on human odour preferences.

Smell throughout the life course.

The sense of smell is an important mediator of health and sociality at all stages of life, yet it has received limited attention in our lineage. Olfaction starts in utero and participates in the establishment of social bonds in children, and of romantic and sexual relationships after puberty. Smell further plays a key role in food assessment and danger avoidance; in modern societies, it also guides our consumer behavior. Sensory abilities typically decrease with age and can be impacted by diseases, with repercussions on health and well-being. Here, we critically review our current understanding of human olfactory communication to refute outdated notions that our sense of smell is of low importance. We provide a summary of the biology of olfaction, give a prospective overview of the importance of the sense of smell throughout the life course, and conclude with an outline of the limitations and future directions in this field.

Dataset on assessing olfactory function in the residents of Central Russia using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test.

Data were acquired via sensory testing of olfactory function in 252 adult residents of Central Russia (18-87 years old), including groups from urban and rural areas. The 40-item North American version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was used. The test alternatives were initially translated into Russian by the authors with minor adaptations. We followed the test procedure recommended by the manufacturer and introduced additional tasks. Familiarity with odor names and consistency with the pre-existing concepts for the test odor items were determined using multiple response questions. Intensity ratings for the UPSIT odorants were obtained using 4-point categorical scale for a subset of the participants. Demographic data and other relevant characteristics of the study population were collected using an adapted translation of the questionnaire included with the test. Descriptive statistics of the collected data are presented in this article. The dataset may be reused for evaluating the impact of various factors, such as cultural context, age, sex, environment, and smoking habits, on the perception of specific odorants as well as on general olfactory function (determined by the number of recognized test items). The data may find its application in the clinical practice of otolaryngologists and neurologists who work with the ethno-cultural group in Russia and all over the world. The dataset can also be used for development of new diagnostic tools for olfactory dysfunction.

Comparison of the incidence of smell and taste disorders between influenza and COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Smell and taste disorders among patients with COVID-19 has become increasingly reported in the literature, however the prevalence varies. Post-infectious respiratory dysfunction has also been linked to influenza. In this study, we aimed to compare the rates of smell and taste disorders between COVID-19 and Influenza in unvaccinated patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: TriNetX research network. METHODS: Two queries were made on 7/1/2023 to include Influenza without a diagnosis of COVID-19 and a COVID-19 without a diagnosis of Influenza. The queries included patients from January 1 to December 31, 2022 from 102 Healthcare Organizations. The resultant population of patients with ICD-10 codes for COVID-19 and Influenza were matched using demographic characteristics to evaluate the risk of smell disorders. RESULTS: The overall 3-month incidence of smell and taste disorders was 0.73 % in the COVID-19 population and 0.1 % in the influenza population. The 3-month matched risk ratios were 11.1 [95 % CI (8.8,13.8)]; p < 0.001) times higher for disorders of the smell and taste secondary to COVID-19 compared to influenza. CONCLUSIONS: Disorders of the smell and taste are more common among patients with COVID-19 compared to patients with Influenza. Beyond smell loss, patients experience additional nasal and sinus-related rhinological symptoms, pointing to COVID-19's and influenza's wider impact on overall rhinological health. We believe that due to the transient nature of these disorders, they might go underreported.

Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Olfactory Function.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery and endonasal approaches to the skull base on olfaction. RECENT FINDINGS: Advancements in endonasal endoscopic approaches to the sinuses and skull base allow for direct treatment of a variety of sinonasal and skull base diseases. However, these extended approaches will often require manipulation of normal anatomical structures and the olfactory neuroepithelium. Depending on the planned procedure and extent of disease, the prognosis of olfactory perception can vary significantly among patients. Endoscopic sinonasal surgical procedures may impact olfaction. Optimizing olfactory function requires proper surgical techniques, gentle handling of tissue, and perioperative care. Surgeons must discuss objectives and manage patient expectations. Routine olfactory assessment is crucial in surgical work-up and follow-up. Preserving anatomical structures while addressing the obstruction of the olfactory cleft helps to prevent decreased olfactory threshold. However, smell identification and discrimination do not always correlate with sinonasal anatomy.

[Involvement of the trigeminal nerve system in the sense of smell]. / Uchastie sistemy troinichnogo nerva v obonyanii.

A systematic review of literature on the issue of involvement in the sense of smell, as well as the interaction between the trigeminal and olfactory nerves, was carried out. The article discusses the features of the chemical perception systems, as well as the treatment of olfactory disorders using transcranial electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve.

Seizure treatment with olfactory training: a preliminary trial.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Despite miscellaneous antiseizure medications, resistance to treatment is still approximately 30%. This resistance brings forward the multidisciplinary approach and complementary treatments. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of olfactory training on epileptic seizures with special aromas having antiseizure effects in patients diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 24 patients (14 pediatric and 10 adults) with drug-resistant epilepsy were recruited for the study. Participants were asked to inhale the standardized bottle filled with lavender aroma (Lavandula Angustifolia) twice a day (morning and evening) for 30-45 s (2 cm in front of nose; 10-15 s to right and left nostril and 10-15 s to both nostrils) for 3 months. The type, frequency, duration of seizures, the quality of life (SF-36 and PedsQL 4.0), and olfactory functions (Sniffin' Sticks Test and Pediatric Smell Wheel) were re-assessed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that olfactory training decreased the seizure frequency (p < 0.001) and the seizure duration (p = 0.02). A global 50% seizure reduction was seen among patients. Moreover, olfactory training increased the quality of life (p = 0.003) and improved the olfactory function in both the pediatric and adult groups (p = 0.017, p = 0.05, respectively). There was no adverse reaction and no increase in seizure frequency. SIGNIFICANCE: The observations of the present investigation suggest that olfactory training is a successful complementary therapy with no adverse reaction in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Large cohort studies and longer follow-up periods are needed for providing olfactory training as a therapy modality in patients with epilepsy.

Lamprey possess both V1R and V2R olfactory receptors, but only V1Rs are expressed in olfactory sensory neurons.

The sense of smell employs some of the largest gene families in the genome to detect and distinguish a multitude of different odors. Within vertebrates, 4 major olfactory receptor families have been described; of which, only 3 (OR, TAAR-like, and V1R) were found already in lamprey, a jawless vertebrate. The forth family (V2R) was believed to have originated later, in jawed vertebrates. Here we have delineated the entire vomeronasal receptor repertoire in 3 lamprey species. We report the presence of 6 v1r and 2 v2r genes in Lethenteron camtschaticum, arctic lamprey, and Lampetra fluviatilis, river lamprey (6 and 1, respectively, in sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus). Three v1r genes but no v2r genes were found to be expressed in olfactory sensory neurons in the characteristic sparse expression pattern. Our results show the olfactory function of some V1Rs already in lamprey and, unexpectedly, an early origin of the V2R family in the shared ancestor of jawed and jawless vertebrates. However, lamprey v2r genes appear not to have acquired an olfactory function yet, thus dissociating the evolutionary origin of the family from the onset of a function as olfactory receptor.

Covid-19 outbreak: does the use of a surgical mask impact the sense of smell?

BACKGROUND: The current context of Covid-19 pandemic has broadened mask use. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the impact of wearing a surgical mask on sense of smell by comparing the results of sniffin' sticks test (SST) with and without a surgical mask and evaluate the feasibility of practicing SST with a mask. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A crossover prospective comparative study between two groups of volunteers. The results of SST with a mask were compared to the results without a mask: group 1 first performed SST with a surgical mask and then one week later performed SST without a mask, while group 2 started without a mask. RESULTS: Twenty volunteers were included. In group 1 and 2, all the subjects, except one, had a significantly better total score (TDI) without a mask. The average TDI difference score with and without a mask, was inferior to 5. 8/20 (40%) subjects had a TDI difference superior to 5 with and without mask, while 4/20 (20%) were normosmic without a mask, while being recategorized as hyposmic with a mask. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Wearing a surgical mask may reduce the sense of smell, in a cohort of normosmic patients. Further larger studies must be conducted in hyposmic subjects.

[The optimization in the rehabilitation of anosmia after SARS-CoV-2 infection]. / Optimizatsiya sposobov vosstanovleniya obonyaniya pri anosmii, indutsirovannoi SARS-CoV-2-infektsiei.

During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic number of patients with olfactory disorders caused by new coronavirus infection substantially increased, making their rehabilitation an issue of the day. We analyzed influence of the drug Sinupret on the restoration dynamic of the olfactory dysfunction associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. 187 patients with impaired sense of smell associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study: test group consisted of 104 cases in which olfactory training methods were combined with the prescription of the drug Sinupret. Control group consisted of 84 patients those undergone olfactory training alone. During study period in 26 patients restoration of the olfactory disorders have not been achieved, due to the virus induced neurodegenerative nature of the lesion. It was observed that in test group odor detection threshold restoration was on average 3.6 days faster than in control group. At the same time, the use of Sinupret was associated with a statistically significant 29.4% decrease of antibiotic prescription frequency for bacterial complications of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we assume that the positive effect of Sinupret on SARS-CoV-2 associated anosmia is caused by its antiviral, secretolytic, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and moderately antibacterial effects in the olfactory epithelium.

[Determination of the prevalence of postcovid syndrome and assessment of the effectiveness of the drug Cortexin in the treatment of neurological disorders in patients with postcovid syndrome. Results of the multicenter clinical and epidemiological observational program CORTEX]. / Opredelenie rasprostranennosti postkovidnogo sindroma i otsenka effektivnosti preparata Korteksin v terapii nevrologicheskikh narushenii u patsientov s postkovidnym sindromom. Rezul'taty mnogotsentrovoi nablyudatel'noi programmy KORTEKS.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of clinical manifestations of postcoid syndrome in patients at an outpatient neurological appointment, to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy regimens using Cortexin at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg IM for 10 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 674 neurologists from all regions of the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan took part in the study. A total of 979 COVID-19 patients were recruited. The average age is 54.6±0.45 years. The duration of the transferred SARS-CoV-2 days and from 1 month or more 12. 3 visits were carried out: 1 on the day of treatment (assessment of complaints, analysis of scale indicators, prescription of the drug Cortexin in doses of 10-20 mg/m for 10 days). 2 (telephone survey) visit for 10-14 days, 3 visit - for 30 days at the reception. The condition was assessed using the Asthenia Assessment Scale (MFI-20), the Brief Mental Status Assessment Scale (MMSE questionnaire), the Schulte test, and the Subjective Treatment Quality Assessment Scale. RESULTS: The daily proportion of patients with complaints after a previous coronavirus infection was 30% in the total structure of neurological admission. The most common complaints: fatigue, general weakness, decreased memory and concentration, dizziness, sleep disturbance, irritability, aggression, shortness of breath, pain syndromes, excessive sweating, anosmia, hyposmia, perverted taste of paresthesia, hair loss, blurred vision, unstable blood pressure, tachycardia, allergic reactions, menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction, apathy, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, depression, refusal to eat meat. CONCLUSION: There was no significant correlation of clinical symptoms with the severity of COVID-19, the percentage of lung tissue damage, and different periods of postcovid syndrome. The clinical efficacy of the drug Cortexin in dosages of 10 and 20 mg for the correction of cognitive and asthenic disorders has been proven. Revealed anti-anxiety, antidepressant and anxiolytic activity of Cortexin is more pronounced when using a dosage of 20 mg.

Study of the sensitivity and specificity of smell and taste disorders as a predictive factor of SARS-CoV-2 infection among primary care healthcare professionals: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Among the manifestations of COVID-19 are taste and smell disorders (TSDs). AIM: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of TSDs and other associated symptoms to estimate predictive values for determining SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN & SETTING: A retrospective observational study of healthcare professionals in Catalonia, Spain. METHOD: A study of the sensitivity and specificity of TSDs has been carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 as the gold standard value. Logistic regressions adjusted for age and sex were performed to identify additional symptoms that might be associated with COVID-19. RESULTS: The results are based on 226 healthcare workers with clinical symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, 116 with positive PCR and 110 with negative PCR. TSDs had an odds ratio (OR) of 12.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.3 to 26.2), sensitivity 60.3% and specificity 89.1%. In the logistic regression model, the association of TSD, fever or low-grade fever, shivering, dyspnoea, arthralgia, and myalgia obtained an area under the curve (AUC) of 85.7% (95% CI = 80.7 % to 90.7 %), sensitivity 82.8 %, specificity 80.0%, and positive predictive values 81.4% and negative 81.5%. CONCLUSION: TSDs are a strong predictor of COVID-19. The association of TSD, fever, low-grade fever or shivering, dyspnoea, arthralgia, and myalgia correctly predicts 85.7% of the results of the COVID-19 test.

The Power of Odor Persuasion: The Incorporation of Olfactory Cues in Virtual Environments for Personalized Relaxation.

Olfaction is the most ancient sense and is directly connected with emotional areas in the brain. It gives rise to perception linked to emotion both in everyday life and in memory-recall activities. Despite its emotional primacy in perception and its role in sampling the real physical world, olfaction is rarely used in clinical psychological settings because it relies on stimuli that are difficult to deliver. However, recent developments in virtual-reality tools are creating novel possibilities for the engagement of the sense of smell in this field. In this article, we present the relevant features of olfaction for relaxation purposes and then discuss possible future applications of involving olfaction in virtual-reality interventions for relaxation. We also discuss clinical applications, the potential of new tools, and current obstacles and limitations.

Olfactory Outcomes With Dupilumab in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: Loss of smell (LoS) is one of the most troublesome and difficult-to-treat symptoms of severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of dupilumab on sense of smell in severe CRSwNP. METHODS: In the randomized SINUS-24 and SINUS-52 studies, adults with severe CRSwNP received dupilumab 300 mg subcutaneously or matching placebo every 2 weeks for 24 or 52 weeks, respectively. Smell was assessed using daily patient-reported LoS score (0-3) and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT; 0-40). Data from the 2 studies were pooled through week 24. Relationships between patient phenotypes and smell outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS: We randomized 724 patients (286 placebo, 438 dupilumab); mean CRSwNP duration was 11 years; 63% had prior sinonasal surgery. Mean baseline LoS was 2.74. Dupilumab produced rapid improvement in LoS, evident by day 3, which improved progressively throughout the study periods (least squares mean difference vs placebo -0.07 [95% CI -0.12 to -0.02]; nominal P < .05 at day 3, and -1.04 [-1.17 to -0.91]; P < .0001 at week 24). Dupilumab improved mean UPSIT by 10.54 (least squares mean difference vs placebo 10.57 [9.40-11.74]; P < .0001) at week 24 from baseline (score 13.90). Improvements were unaffected by CRSwNP duration, prior sinonasal surgery, or comorbid asthma and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease. Baseline olfaction scores correlated with all measured local and systemic type 2 inflammatory markers except serum total immunoglobulin E. CONCLUSIONS: Dupilumab produced rapid and sustained improvement in sense of smell, alleviating a cardinal symptom of severe CRSwNP.

[Understanding and caring for patients with smelly wounds]. / Prise en charge des troubles de l'odorat liés à la Covid-19.

Sudden loss of smell is a very common symptom that can be observed in two-thirds of patients with Covid-19, and may be the only symptom of this disease. A study has demonstrated that 80% of infected patients have sudden loss of smell without nasal obstruction. This suggests that anomalies of the olfactory epithelium are a key element of pathogenesis and local involvement. Management of odor disorders related to Covid-19 is still being debated. Share of experience of the ear, nose and throat team at the University Hospital of Nancy (54).

Data Mining of Free-Text Responses: An Innovative Approach to Analyzing Patient Perspectives on Treatment for Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in a Phase IIa Proof-of-Concept Study for Dupilumab.

PURPOSE: Patient perspective is an important and increasingly sought-after complement to clinical assessment. The aim of this study was to transcribe individual patients' experience of treatment in a dupilumab clinical trial through free-text responses with analysis using natural language processing (NLP) to obtain the unique perspective of patients on disease impact and unmet needs with existing treatment to inform future trial design. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) who were enrolled in a Phase IIa randomized controlled trial comparing dupilumab with placebo (NCT01920893) were invited to complete a self-assessment of treatment (SAT) tool at the end of treatment, asking, "What is your opinion on the treatment you had during the trial? What did you like or dislike about the treatment?" Free-text responses were analyzed for the overall cohort and according to treatment assignment using natural language processing including sentiment scoring. In a mixed-methods approach, quantitative patient-reported outcome (PRO) results were utilized to complement the qualitative analysis of free-text responses. RESULTS: Of 60 patients enrolled in the study, 43 (71.6%) completed the SAT and responses from 37 patients were analyzed (placebo, n = 16; dupilumab, n = 21). Word analyses showed that the most common words were "smell," "improve," "staff," "great," "time," and "good." Across the whole cohort, "smell" was the most common symptom-related word. The words "smell" and "experience" were more likely to occur in patients treated with dupilumab. Patients treated with dupilumab also had more positive sentiment in their SAT responses than those who received placebo. The results from this qualitative analysis were reflected in quantitative PRO results. CONCLUSION: "Smell" was important to patients with CRSwNP, highlighting its importance as a patient-centric efficacy outcome measure in the context of clinical trials in CRSwNP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01920893. Registered 12 August 2013, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01920893.

Olfactory Dysfunction in Frontline Health Care Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

Upper respiratory viral infections can decrease the sense of smell either by inflammatory restriction of nasal airflow that carries the odorant molecules or through interference in olfactory sensory neuron function. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), worldwide reports of severe smell loss (anosmia/hyposmia) revealed a different type of olfactory dysfunction associated with respiratory virus infection. Since self-reported perception of smell is subjective and SARS-CoV-2 exposure is variable in the general population, we aimed to study a population that would be more homogeneously exposed to the virus. Here, we investigated the prevalence of olfactory loss in frontline health professionals diagnosed with COVID-19 in Brazil, one of the major epicenters of the disease. We also analyzed the rate of olfactory function recovery and the particular characteristics of olfactory deficit in this population. A widely disclosed cross-sectional online survey directed to health care workers was developed by a group of researchers to collect data concerning demographic information, general symptoms, otolaryngological symptoms, comorbidities, and COVID-19 test results. Of the 1,376 health professionals who completed the questionnaire, 795 (57.8%) were working directly with COVID-19 patients, either in intensive care units, emergency rooms, wards, outpatient clinics, or other areas. Five-hundred forty-one (39.3%) participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and 509 (37%) were not tested. Prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19-positive subjects was 83.9% (454 of 541) compared to 12.9% (42 of 326) of those who tested negative and to 14.9% (76 of 509) of those not tested. Olfactory dysfunction incidence was higher in those working in wards, emergency rooms, and intensive care units compared to professionals in outpatient clinics. In general, remission from olfactory symptoms was frequent by the time of responses. Taste disturbances were present in 74.1% of infected participants and were significantly associated with hyposmia. In conclusion, olfactory dysfunction is highly correlated with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in health care professionals, and remission rates up to 2 weeks are high.

Management of new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic - BRS Consensus Guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the study is to provide recommendations for the investigation and management of patients with new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: After undertaking a literature review, we used the RAND/UCLA methodology with a multi-step process to reach consensus about treatment options, onward referral, and imaging. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: An expert panel consisting of 15 members was assembled. A literature review was undertaken prior to the study and evidence was summarised for the panellists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The panel undertook a process of ranking and classifying appropriateness of different investigations and treatment options for new onset loss of sense of smell during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a 9-point Likert scale, panellists scored whether a treatment was: Not recommended, optional, or recommended. Consensus was achieved when more than 70% of responses fell into the category defined by the mean. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on the majority of statements after 2 rounds of ranking. Disagreement meant no recommendation was made regarding one treatment, using Vitamin A drops. Alpha-lipoic acid was not recommended, olfactory training was recommended for all patients with persistent loss of sense of smell of more than 2 weeks duration, and oral steroids, steroid rinses, and omega 3 supplements may be considered on an individual basis. Recommendations regarding the need for referral and investigation have been made. CONCLUSION: This study identified the appropriateness of olfactory training, different medical treatment options, referral guidelines and imaging for patients with COVID-19-related loss of sense of smell. The guideline may evolve as our experience of COVID-19 develops.

Cultural Adaptation of the Iranian Version of the "Sniffin' Sticks" Olfactory Test.

Background :Psychophysical tests are typically used for clinical assessment of human smelling function. Given that olfactory identification is linked to the regional culture, the main aim of this study was to provide the comprehensive "sniffin' sticks" olfactory test, culturally adapted on the Iranian population as well as to examine the discriminatory power of this test between normal people and patients with olfactory disorder. Methods : This cross-sectional study consisted of 3 steps. A total of 200 healthy people were recruited to determine odor familiarity (using Likert- scale) for the first step. In the second step, based on the original sniffin' sticks test and odor familiarity, 16 odor items were selected. Odor modification was performed and the identification part of the sniffin' sticks test was created. Then, 99 patients with olfactory disorders and 214 healthy participants were tested using the Iranian sniffin' sticks test (Ir-SST). After 2 to 4 weeks, participants were reexamined and test reliability was evaluated by using a Pearson correlation coefficient test. Results : The Ir-SST showed that scores of patients with smell loss were significantly lower than normosmic participants (13.6 ± 5.24 vs 34.3 ± 3.41, P < 0.001). The sensitivity (95.2%) and specificity (93.5%) of the test were also found to be high. Test-retest reliability was as follows: composite score: r = 0.8; odor identification: r = 0.83; odor threshold: r = 0.77; and odor discrimination test: r = 0.56; P < 0.001. Conclusion : The results suggest that the Ir-SST can be effectively adapted to the Iranian population. The current study validates that the sniffin' sticks olfactory test is applicable as a useful screening tool for comprehensive assessment of olfactory function in an Iranian population.

Association of Anosmia and Positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RT-PCR Test Results Among Patients in the Quezon City General Hospital

AbstractObjective: To determine the association of anosmia and positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RT-PCR test results among patients in a tertiary government hospital in Metro Manila.Methods: Design: Cross-SectionalStudy Setting: Tertiary Government Training HospitalParticipants: Patients aged 18 years old and above who consulted or were admitted with COVID-19 symptoms at the Quezon City General Hospital in the Philippines from July to September 2020 answered an offline version of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery AAO-HNS COVID-19 Anosmia Reporting Tool prior to undergoing (COVID-19) RT-PCR testing.Results: Out of 172 participants, 63 (36.6%) presented with anosmia. Sixty (95.2%) out of 63 of those with anosmia had a positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test result. Forty-one (65%) participants reported anosmia as the first symptom while the most common associated symptoms were fever (59%), cough (50%), and rhinorrhea (31%). There was a significant association between anosmia and positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RT-PCR tests (X2 =33.85, df=1, pConclusion: Anosmia was associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RT-PCR test in more than 95% of those who reported the symptom. Anosmia should be considered as a red flag sign which should be included in the screening of persons suspected of being infected with COVID-19 to help mitigate further spread of the virus.Keywords: anosmia; olfactory dysfunction; loss of sense of smell; coronavirus; SARS-CoV-2; pandemic; 2019-NCoV; COVID-19