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10:00 AM – 6:00 PM to support you with urgent concerns and guide you toward the right care.
Sudden loss of smell or taste can be an indicator of COVID-19. Learn how to test your senses at home, what steps to take if you suspect infection, and how to aid recovery. A guide for Indian readers.
In the past few years, a peculiar symptom has become strongly associated with COVID-19: the sudden loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia). While many illnesses can affect these senses, the widespread nature of this symptom during the pandemic has made it a significant indicator. For us in India, where bustling street food stalls and aromatic home-cooked meals are a part of daily life, losing these senses can be particularly distressing. This guide aims to help you understand why this happens, how to test your senses at home, and what steps you can take if you suspect you have COVID-19.
Initially, researchers believed that the virus directly attacked the nerve cells responsible for smell and taste. However, more recent studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, primarily targets the supporting cells (sustentacular cells) in the olfactory epithelium, the tissue lining the nasal cavity where smell receptors are located. These supporting cells play a vital role in maintaining the health and function of the olfactory neurons. When the virus damages these cells, it can disrupt the signaling pathway to the brain, leading to a loss of smell and, consequently, taste, as much of what we perceive as 'taste' is actually derived from smell.
It's fascinating how intertwined our senses of smell and taste truly are. When you bite into a delicious samosa or sip a hot cup of chai, you're experiencing a combination of taste sensations (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) detected by your tongue and aroma molecules detected by your nose. The aroma molecules travel up to your olfactory receptors, and your brain combines this information with the taste signals to create the rich, complex flavour profile you enjoy. If your sense of smell is compromised, even if your taste buds are functioning perfectly, the overall experience of flavour will be significantly diminished. This is why many people with COVID-19 report that food tastes bland or 'cardboard-like'.
The loss of smell or taste associated with COVID-19 can occur suddenly and without other typical symptoms like fever or cough. Some people experience a complete loss, while others notice a significant reduction in their ability to detect certain smells or tastes. You might also notice:
It's important to remember that these symptoms can overlap with other respiratory infections. However, the abrupt onset of smell and taste loss, especially in the context of the ongoing pandemic, warrants attention.
You don't need fancy equipment to check if your senses are working properly. You can use common household items. Here’s a simple method:
What to look for: Can you detect the scent? Is it strong or faint? Can you identify what it is?
This is a bit trickier to do accurately at home without confusing it with smell, but you can try tasting a few basic flavours. Ensure your nose is clear (you might want to do this after a shower or using a saline nasal spray if you have congestion, but avoid strong scents beforehand).
What to look for: Can you detect the basic taste? Is it strong or weak?
A sudden and noticeable change in your ability to smell or taste, especially if it's a complete loss, is a strong indicator that you might have COVID-19, even without other symptoms.
If you experience a sudden loss of smell or taste, or if you have other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and others.
For most people, the sense of smell and taste returns gradually within a few weeks to months after the infection has cleared. However, some individuals may experience a longer recovery period, and in a small percentage of cases, the loss can be persistent. This is sometimes referred to as 'Long COVID'.
If your sense of smell hasn't fully returned, a technique called smell training can be very beneficial. It involves intentionally and regularly smelling a set of distinct, strong aromas to help retrain your olfactory system.
While a home test can give you an idea, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
The best approach is to prevent infection in the first place. Continue to practice good hygiene and follow public health recommendations:
A: Yes, absolutely. Common colds, sinus infections, allergies, nasal polyps, and even certain medications can affect your sense of smell and taste. However, the sudden and complete loss experienced with COVID-19 is quite distinct.
A: For many, it starts returning within a few weeks. For others, it can take several months. A small percentage may experience longer-term changes.
A: No, not always. While it's a prominent symptom of COVID-19, other conditions can cause it. However, given the pandemic, it's a symptom that should be taken seriously and investigated with a test.
A: It can be challenging, but focusing on texture, temperature, and using spices that stimulate other senses (like a hint of chilli for heat) can help. Smell training is also key to recovery.
A: This is a known phenomenon called parosmia, often occurring during recovery. It means the smell pathways are healing, but are a bit mixed up. Smell training can also help with this. If it's significantly bothersome, consult an ENT specialist.
Losing your sense of smell and taste can be a disorienting experience, impacting your enjoyment of food and even your safety (e.g., not smelling smoke or gas leaks). If you suspect COVID-19, act quickly, get tested, and follow health guidelines. With patience and targeted exercises like smell training, most people can regain these vital senses.
Most people do not notice early warning signs right away. That is common. A simple symptom diary, basic routine checks, and timely follow-up visits can prevent small problems from becoming serious.
If you are already on treatment, stay consistent with medicines and lifestyle advice. If your symptoms change, do not guess. Check with a qualified doctor and update your plan early.
Write down symptoms, triggers, and timing for a few days.
Carry old prescriptions and test reports to your consultation.
Ask clearly about side effects, red-flag signs, and follow-up dates.
Seek urgent care for severe pain, breathing trouble, bleeding, fainting, or sudden worsening.
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