Damascus-Sana
Loss of smell does not mean infection with the Coronavirus only, as infections with colds, influenza, nasal polyps, tumors, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and head injuries can affect the sense of smell as well.
Distinguishing the loss of smell due to infection with the Coronavirus from the rest of the pathological cases is according to what Dr. Abdo Ayrout, Vice President of the Syrian Society of Otolaryngologists, Dr. Important, which is parathyroid smell, which is a loss in the sense that results in the feeling of unpleasant odors that appear while eating that sometimes prevent the person from eating.
He pointed out that most of those infected with the virus can breathe freely without complaining of nasal obstruction or cold and gonorrhea, explaining that patients who have lost their sense of taste cannot distinguish between bitter or sweet.
Dr. Ayrout stated that in cases of loss of smell, cortisone sprays and some vitamins for the olfactory nerve are used, in addition to some olfactory exercises on a group of aromatic materials such as lemon essential oils, jasmine, sandalwood, rose and cloves.
People can do smell and taste tests themselves at home using coffee, garlic, citrus fruits and sugar, according to Dr. Ayrout.
The loss of the sense of smell and taste, as Ayrout explains, is an early sign of infection with the Coronavirus, according to the latest studies, especially when it occurs without any prior warning, so preventive precautions must be taken to protect others from infection once this symptom is infected.
The World Health Organization still classifies loss of smell or taste among the less common symptoms of infection with the Coronavirus, while the main symptoms are high temperature, dry cough and fatigue.
Rama Rashidi