One of the known indicators of COVID-19 infection is the loss of smell. Studies have shown that the virus is commonly associated with anosmia or the complete loss of olfactory senses. Although, some also looked through the correlation between the virus and hyposmia or the partial loss of smell. However, other studies have looked into the correlation of COVID-19 infections to parosmia and phantosmia.
For instance, a 2021 study that involved 268 Iraqi COVID-19 patients with parosmia revealed that before having the said olfactory disorder, 241 had previously experienced anosmia, while the rest had hyposmia. Most cases experienced an unpleasant smell, with 146 patients saying that the odor was similar to that of sewage. In addition, 91.8% of cases experienced a loss of appetite, decreased weight, and mood changes.
Phantosmia, on the other hand, is not commonly associated with COVID-19. Few studies have attempted to look into the condition relative to the virus but concluded that there’s little to no correlation. One study, for instance, revealed that prevalence of phantosmia, while slightly higher in COVID-19-negative respondents, are equally occurring in those who tested positive and negative positive for the virus. However, they suggested that phantosmia can be triggered more by rhinosinusitis.
In conclusion, studies suggest that parosmia is more prevalent in post-COVID-19 infection after the manifestations of anosmia and hyposmia. Meanwhile, there is no correlation between phantosmia and COVID-19.
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