Presentation Details
| Savor the flavor: When Covid-19 silences the palate Sanne Boesveldt1, Elbrich M.Postma1, 2, Birgit P.M.van Dijk1. 1Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands.2Smell and Taste Center, ENT department, Hospital Gelderse Vallei, Ede, Netherlands |
Abstract
Taste and smell are fundamental to our food experiences. They drive food preferences, choices, consumptions, and ultimately impact our health. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020, millions of people lost their chemical senses, and while most patients recovered within a few weeks after infection, chemosensory dysfunction turned into a long-term problem for 5-10% of patients. Beyond the immediate realm of chemosensory alteration, the sustained loss of smell and taste is associated with a significant reduction in patients’ quality of life, including increased depressive symptoms and nutritional challenges. We set up the COVORTS study to assess the natural progression of smell and taste dysfunction in a prospective cohort over the course of one year, and its impact on eating behavior and quality of life. For this cohort, we recruited 76 patients aged between 18-60 years old with persistent smell dysfunction (> 1 month) after a recent (<3 months) confirmed Covid-19 infection. For a period of one year, patients fill out monthly online questionnaires related to their smell and taste ability, trigeminal sensations, eating behavior (as measured by the Appetite, Hunger and Sensory Perception questionnaire and VAS ratings on food enjoyment and appetite), quality of life (as measured by the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders), and perform an at-home smell and taste test. Every three months, psychophysical testing is performed at home, to assess smell and taste function and smell distortions (parosmia). Data collection started in November 2021 and finishes in March 2023. Preliminary results will be presented at the meeting. The insights from this study will help to address one of the challenges posed by (post)Covid and provide patients with appropriate care and nutritional advice.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.