Loss of Taste, Smell is Godsend for Many Coronavirus Patients: Here's Why

Experiencing a true loss of smell and taste along with gastric trouble as COVID-19 symptoms begin to appear could mean a good prognosis and no severe respiratory attack that usually sets in in the 2nd week of the 14-day virus cycle. Observed worldwide, the event has now been documented by Indian health experts as we enter the tenth month of the coronavirus pandemic. According to them, coronavirus patients who show severe symptoms or end up in the intensive care unit do not generally give a history of true loss of smell or taste.

Those who observe a COVID-induced loss of taste and smell generally feel an overpowering salty or sweet taste, and the water tastes very sweet. If they try perfume, the alcohol part governs the olfactory senses. And it takes 3-4 weeks for taste or smell or both to come back.

According to Dr. Arun Lakhanpal, chest physician, if a true loss of taste or smell happens in the setting of coronavirus disease, which he is observing more often now, then it does indicate a good prognosis.

"It is increasingly noticed that people with loss of smell and taste which happens in about 40 percent of patients is generally a good prognostic sign," said Dr. Lakhanpal. The latter and his team have helped thousands of Covid-19 patients recover and go back home healthy.

Dr. Sushila Kataria, Senior Director of Internal Medicine, Medanta leading the Covid team at the Gurgaon-headquartered hospital, seconded Lakhanpal's observation.

The reason for a loss of taste and smell and diarrhea in COVID disease is not known.

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Do not take these signs lightly and isolate yourself, get tested for coronavirus, and follow all infection control practices.

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Source-Medindia