The loss of smell and taste is a prominent symptom of COVID-19. Studies found that patterns of smell loss due to Covid-19 infection differ from that of other respiratory viruses being much more profound in the Covid-19 patents and did not associate with runny, congested, or blocked-up nose. The researchers suggest that smell and taste testing can be used for fast COVID-19 screening. Studies found that the Covid-19 virus has similarities with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which has been reported to enter the brain, via smell receptors in the nose. The sudden onset and relatively fast recovery in some patients suggest that COVID-19 anosmia is not caused by damage to the central nervous system but rather by the loss of smell information before it gets to the brain (smell receptors). They also found that it has different behavior from other respiratory viruses as it causes over-reaction of the immune system (or a cytokine storm). Trials to treat post-COVID anosmia using local steroid applications, sniffing of strong odors or scents or use of different vitamins (for several weeks to months) did not provide rapid, satisfactory or even significant recovery of olfactory dysfunction. Fortunately, the olfactory neurons can regenerate, however, studies reported variable prognoses, some patients recovered within weeks which others may have persistent deficits for months or even a year. In this study, the researchers hypothesize that cerebrolysin, a drug of neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties, can be used to treat patients with persistent post-COVID anosmia or ageusia or promote functional recovery of smell and taste deficits.
Age range
20 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
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The smell and taste questionnaire component of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHNES). And the modified Arabic translated and validated sniffin' sticks odor identification test was used for objective olfactory evaluations.
Timeframe: The subject smell and taste sensations at baseline (presentation)
objective testings: sniffen's odor, taste and flavor identification testing
Timeframe: at presentation (baseline)