Loss of sense of smell increasingly recognised as a symptom of COVID-19

It has come to be recognised that anosmia (loss of smell) can form part of the COVID-19 clinical picture, and in patients with mild COVID-19, can be the major presenting feature. Many senior ENT clinicians have noted a rise in patients <40 years presenting with isolated anosmia during the COVID-19 outbreak and warn clinicians to be aware these patients may be presenting with COVID-19.  Clinicians are advised against use of oral steroids which may worsen SARS-CoV-2 infection. ENT UK advise in this letter, that asking adults with anosmia alone to self-isolate may reduce the spread of novel coronavirus.

This article was written by Dr Rachel Coles, paediatric trainee on 24th March 2020.

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