An-Najah News - Medical experts across the globe have reported that a sudden loss of sense of smell could be a tell-tale sign in otherwise asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons say the virus is capable of causing swelling in the olfactory mucosa in a way not commonly seen in other viruses, and therefore the loss of sense of smell could be used as a key clinical indicator in otherwise healthy carriers of COVID-19.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology wrote that the amount of anecdotal evidence of anosmia, hyposmia (reduced ability to smell), and dysgeusia (reduced sense of taste) is significant enough that they are added to the list of screening tools for possible infection.

ENT surgeons in the UK also issued a statement urging that anosmia should be categorized as an important symptom that may indicate infection in an otherwise asymptomatic carrier, allowing clinicians at COVID-19 clinics to quickly rule out or confirm this subtle symptom.

These "silent carriers" play a key role in the catastrophic spread of the disease, as without the obvious symptoms of a fever and a persistent cough they’re able to go undetected by current screening measures.

“While further research is required, loss of smell, or anosmia, has been reported in as many as 1 in 3 patients in South Korea and, in Germany, this figure was as high as 2 in patients,” said Professor Simon Carney 

It’s recommended that patients consider calling their doctor or local health services with this early symptom as a precursor for possible treatment, though it may not require any treatment beyond self-isolating until the infection has passed. Those who experience sudden onset anosmia are encouraged to self-isolate as it would well indicate transmission of the disease.