A recent study conducted by Massachusetts Eye and Ear reveals that many COVID-19 patients who experienced a loss of smell or taste have not fully regained these senses. The researchers estimated that approximately 25% of Americans who had COVID-19 reported only partial or no recovery of taste or smell. This study sought to quantify the nationwide impact of smell disorders caused by COVID-19 and shed light on the extent of sensory loss experienced by individuals.
The researchers analyzed data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which encompassed survey responses from 29,696 adults. Participants who had contracted COVID-19 were asked about the severity of their symptoms, any loss of taste or smell, and their recovery progress.
The NHIS data revealed that approximately 60% of those surveyed who had contracted COVID-19 experienced a loss of smell, while about 58% experienced a loss of taste. Among the respondents, approximately 72% fully recovered their sense of smell, while 24% experienced only partial recovery, and more than 3% had no recovery at all. Similarly, of those who lost their sense of taste, about 76% fully regained it, while 20% only partially regained it, and more than 2% did not recover at all.
Based on these findings, the researchers estimated that nearly 28 million Americans may have a diminished sense of smell following a COVID-19 infection. One of the driving factors behind this study was a patient of Professor Neil Bhattacharyya, who lost 50 pounds due to the loss of smell caused by COVID-19. The patient’s inability to enjoy food led to physical and emotional consequences, emphasizing the significant impact of smell and taste loss on individuals’ well-being.
In addition, the study found a correlation between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and the loss of smell or taste. As symptoms became more severe, the percentage of patients experiencing sensory loss increased. Furthermore, the likelihood of recovering these senses decreased as COVID-19 symptoms worsened.
Professor Bhattacharyya emphasized the importance of this study in highlighting a group of individuals who have been somewhat overlooked. Losing the sense of smell or taste is not as harmless as it may seem, as it can result in decreased enjoyment of food and, in severe cases, lead to depression and weight loss.
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