Link between Covid-19 infections and ‘smell blindness’

The Royal College of Otolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons of Thailand is alerting doctors to pay special attention to signs of anosmia (loss of smell or ‘smell blindness’) with Covid-19 patients and people who are being tested for Covid-19.

Anosmia was found to be more common in patients with mild symptoms of Covid-19.

The chairperson of the royal college, Professor Doctor Saowarot Phattharaphakdi says that two-thirds of the patients infected with the new coronavirus experience this specific condition.

“More and more studies have found a link between Covid-19 infections and incidents of anosmia.”

“Under the circumstances, the royal college is urging medical specialists to be cognisant of anosmia as it can present a credible indication of Covid-19 infection in the patients they treat.”

The royal college is also recommending that all patients who have any signs or developed sudden anosmia symptoms should be tested for the Covid-19 infection. The royal college is also warning people who might have signs of anosmia to not use steroids (oral) for treatments.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post