Persistence of Olfactory Dysfunction in Post CoVid-19 Patients Using Sniffin Sticks-A Prospective Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study is conducted to assess the Olfactory dysfunction (OD) of CoVid-19 recovered patients using ODOFIN Sniffin’ Sticks and to analyze the demographic features, duration of recovery, co-morbidities/metabolic disorders associated with persistence of OD in Post CoVid-19 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This Prospective observational study was conducted at our tertiary care hospital on 40 CoVid-19 recovered patients with persistent OD. The olfaction was assessed qualitatively using ODOFIN Sniffin’ sticks at 6^th, 10^th, 12^th weeks Post CoVid and the results documented and analysed.

RESULTS

Total 40 eligible patients were selected. 50% of study participants were males and 60% aged 18-38 years. 3 patients were Diabetic and 3 were Hypertensive. 37 had OD of which 26 had Hyposmia and 11 had Anosmia 6 weeks Post CoVid. 22 had OD of which 14 had Hyposmia and 8 had Anosmia 10 weeks Post CoVid. 10 had persistent OD 12 weeks Post CoVid. There was no association found between age, co-morbidities and OD at 6, 10 and 12 weeks Post CoVid (p>0.05). Hyposmia was common among females at 10 weeks Post CoVid which was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about time pattern on the recovery of OD in Post CoVid patients will be essential in counselling and treating them.