Evaluation of Long Term Follow-Up Results of Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with Viral Infections Using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center Test.

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 56 - 62, 31.08.2025

Derya Özer , Bahar Colpan , Çağdaş Elsürer , Nazlım Aktuğ Demir , Onur Ural , Şua Sümer , Mete Kaan Bozkurt

https://doi.org/10.65396/ejra.1700376

Abstract

Objective: The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction during COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-19) ranges from 4% to 80%, yet the duration of olfactory impairment and the factors influencing it are unclear. This study investigated the progression and influencing factors of olfactory dysfunction over a 24-month follow-up period in patients who developed olfactory impairment during COVID-19.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Konya Selçuk University Medicine of Faculty Hospital between 01.06.2020 and 31.12.2023. Fifty-one patients with olfactory dysfunction identified during COVID-19 infection were included. Demographics, clinical histories, and laboratory data were recorded for all patients. Olfactory function was evaluated using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, and the test was repeated at the end of two years in 49 accessible patients. Changes in olfactory function during the two-year period were reassessed. The duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, types of gustatory impairment, and recovery times were recorded.
Results: A negative correlation was found between patient age and the duration of olfactory dysfunction. Patients with pulmonary involvement had significantly longer durations of olfactory dysfunction than those without pulmonary involvement.
Conclusion: Although various factors influence the development of olfactory dysfunction during COVID-19, it has been concluded that olfactory dysfunctions are more common and longer, especially in young patients and patients with lung involvement.

Keywords

Covid-19 , olfactory dysfunction , gustatory dysfunction

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