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Losing taste and smell: How is COVID-19 changing our sensory world?
With the outbreak of COVID-19, many people are experiencing varying degrees of symptoms, the most concerning of which is loss of taste and smell. This symptom has an unimaginable impact on personal life, affecting everything from eating habits to mental health.
The loss of smell and taste caused by red staining is not only a factor in the enjoyment of food, but also a serious blow to the quality of life.
The mode of transmission and diverse symptoms of COVID-19 prevent many infected people from realizing that they are infected with the virus in time. According to research, about 60% of COVID-19 patients report olfactory dysfunction, meaning many people may miss this critical signal during early symptoms.
Loss of the sense of smell (anosmia) and a change in taste (geusia) have emerged as two major symptoms during this global pandemic. These symptoms not only bother the infected person, but also cause additional anxiety and confusion to their family and friends. It is important to note that the timing and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person, with some patients returning to normal within a few weeks, while others may take months or even longer.
Patients who lose their sense of smell may face an increased risk of foodborne illness, are unable to detect spoiled food, and may be at increased risk of fires.
The physiological mechanisms behind these symptoms are still being studied, and many experts believe it is due to a viral infection of the supporting cells that support sensory neurons. These cells have abundant ACE2 receptors on their surfaces, a feature that sensory neurons do not have. In cases of smell loss, the sense of smell usually returns within a few weeks, but some patients continue to suffer discomfort, manifested by changes in the perception of smells, such as feeling that certain smells are no longer pleasant or even slightly nauseated.
Over time, many people who have recovered from COVID-19 have reported experiencing symptoms called "long COVID," which can include persistent fatigue and cognitive impairment, which the medical community considers long-term consequences. Seriously affects the patient's quality of life.
For those patients who still experience impaired sense of smell and taste after infection, they are likely to experience depression, because this is not only a physical hindrance, but also a psychological challenge. Social and health experts recommend maintaining good hygiene and ongoing medical attention as one of the ways to reduce the impact of these symptoms.
Medical research is dedicated to solving this problem, and many procedures are moving toward improving treatments centered around smell training.
As the epidemic develops, our sensory world has undoubtedly changed. The early symptoms of COVID-19 are no longer the traditional symptoms of fever and cough. Loss of smell has become a common phenomenon, demonstrating the profound impact of infectious diseases on human senses.
But how much impact does the experience of losing your sense of taste and smell have on a person's life, psychology, and family relationships? Perhaps this deserves our more in-depth thinking and exploration?
