Anosmia in Covid-19 and its association with chronic diseases and infectious disease symptoms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17058/reci.v15i4.19699Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2, Pandemic, Smell disorders, Ageusia, DysgeusiaAbstract
Background and Objectives: Anosmia in Covid-19 may indicate a more favorable prognosis, highlighting the importance of understanding associated factors to support clinical decisions. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors related to anosmia in individuals tested for Covid-19. Methods: Data from a university extension program that provided molecular testing services for Covid-19 diagnosis were used. Data collected between April 2020 and January 2023 were used. The chi-square test (p<0.05) was used by grouping participants according to the molecular test result: positive and negative for Covid-19. Results: A total of 6.5% (n=2252) of the population had anosmia, of which 1228 tested positive for Covid-19. Most participants with anosmia were adult females. There was a significant association between Covid-19 anosmia and the variant change milestone in February 2021. Among chronic diseases in individuals with anosmia and Covid-19, there was a significant association (p<0.05) with high blood pressure and diabetes. Among the symptoms of individuals with anosmia and Covid-19, ageusia, headache, and cough were directly associated; while runny nose, sore throat, dyspnea, diarrhea, and vomiting were inversely associated (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, chronic diseases related to Covid-19 anosmia included high blood pressure and diabetes, and the associated symptoms were ageusia, headache, and cough. Runny nose, sore throat, dyspnea, diarrhea, and vomiting appeared less frequently than expected in individuals with anosmia and Covid-19.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fernanda Lopes Vilande, Terimar Facin Ruoso, Daniel Ângelo Sganzerla Graichen, Angela Giovana Batista
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