Good Morning everyone,
i wanted to give an update on the growing issues of loss of smell and taste as early signs of possible coronavirus infection.
As I mentioned in my post yesterday, these symptomns are common in any condition causing inflammation of the upper airways (nose and throat) including common colds and allergies. It is usually a result of swelling in the nose which results in the olfactory nerve endings (the ones responsible for your sense of smell) not to be stimulated.
As a quick aside, your sense of smell is what accounts for the majority of what we perceive as “taste”. The tastebuds on your tongue and in your mouth have a completely different enervation and only grossly perceive 5 “tastes”:
1) sweet
2) sour
3) salt
4) bitter and
5) umami (savoryness).
So oraly, you may be able to distinguish something salty from sweet but the more subtle aspects of taste are olfactory (smell).
Back to coronavirus. We have known for decades that this class of viruses is particularly toxic to those olfactory nerve endings and in patients who have had a loss of smell, even weeks after an infection, about 10% will never get their sense back.
Apparently, some studies are showing that this symptom is happening with this variety of coronavirus, ie Covid-19. Not surprising but what is a little surprising is that it may be an early sign of infection. If so, the deal is done and all you can do is protect yourself and those around you. There is no treatment at this stage other than supportive: fluid, rest, good nutrition, sleep…
DO NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR DOCTORS OFFICE if this is all you have. DO however stay in and consider self quaranteeing. Definitely socialy isolate from family and friends but do not panic.
Remember that the vast majority of those who get this infection get through it just fine.
For all parents (and adults who imbibe), please be aware that ANYTHING which causes inflamation of the lungs predisposes you to getting a worse outcome with this infection. This includes Vaping. Every hit counts. Please discuss with family and friends.
AC 😎✌️🌱❤🐖🏃🏻🧘🏻♂️🌎