Gustatory Dysfunction: A Highly Specific and Smell-Independent Symptom of COVID-19

• DOI: 10.1007/s12070-020-02182-4
• Publication Date: 2020-09-30T05:12:23Z
• Authors: Luigi Angelo Vaira; Jerome R. Lechien; Giovanni Salzano; Francesco Antonio...; Fabio Maglitto; Sven Saussez; Giacomo De Riu
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, Chemosensitive dysfunction,Olfactory dysfunction,Ageusia,Taste,Gustatory dysfunction,Anosmia; Otorhinolaryngology; Surgery; Ageusia; Anosmia; COVID-19; Chemosensitive dysfunction; Coronavirus; Gustatory dysfunction; Olfactory dysfunction; SARS-CoV-2; Taste; Brief Communication; 3. Good health

Chemosensitive dysfunctions are now considered as frequent and early symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the last few weeks, researchers' greatest efforts have been focusing mainly on the analysis of olfactory disorders, neglecting taste dysfunctions. According to our psychophysical evaluations, it can be inferred that the pathogenesis of taste disorders in COVID-19 patients is largely smell-independent. Moreover, isolated gustatory disorders are highly specific of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For these reasons, it is essential that gustatory dysfunctions, like olfactory disorders, are included in the COVID-19 guidelines.