Despite vaccination efforts, many people are still worried that every cough and body ache is the sign that they have come down with COVID-19. A very common symptom of COVID-19 is the temporary loss of smell, also referred to as anosmia.
You may have seen videos online of those with COVID-19, tasting cups marked “pickle juice,” “tequila,” and “milk.” The subjects in these videos do not react to any of the drinks, seemingly unaware of any taste at all. It appears that many people are experiencing a loss of taste and smell even after recovering from the virus.
If you are experiencing a loss of smell, regardless of the cause, you are likely also experiencing a loss of taste. This is due to the fact that smell and taste are directly correlated because they both use the same types of receptors. If your sense of smell is not functioning, then your sense of taste will also not work because of the connected relationship.
Scientists actually think that loss of smell is the earliest and most common sign of COVID-19. In fact, an estimated 80% of those with COVID experience disruptions in their sense of smell.
Many people are wondering why COVID-19 causes the loss of smell. Sinus doctors in Los Angeles are trying to use their expertise to figure out why this unique symptom occurs temporarily or even long-term. The reason for the loss of smell in those with COVID-19 has been unclear.
Some initially thought that COVID-19 disrupted the olfactory neurons that transmit smell from the nose to the brain in order to let our bodies process smell, but many now do not think that’s the case. Experts think that the loss of smell due to COVID-19 is related to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. These receptors are the virus’s pathway into the body.
Sustentacular cells do have ACE2 receptors, and these kinds of cells support olfactory neurons, allowing the body to smell things. The sustentacular cells also provide the metabolic and physical support needed to sustain cilia, which are odor detectors. Physical disruption of the cilia can cause you to be unable to smell. In a French study, hamsters who had been infected with COVID-19 showed the physical detachment of their cilia.
This is the closest explanation doctors have for COVID-related smell loss is the damaged cilia. However, this phenomenon is still debated since COVID-19 patients also cannot experience the burning sensation of sriracha or the refreshing buzz of mint. These physical sensations that result from food are not related to cilia, but they are connected to cells on the tongue that contain ACE2 receptors.
If you are suffering from a loss of taste or smell, it won’t hurt to visit an ENT doctor in Los Angeles. They are specially trained in issues affecting the head, so you may benefit from an examination. Schedule a consultation with the Westside Sinus office to see if there’s anything a doctor can do for your loss of smell or taste.
