Clinical Features of Parosmia Associated With COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the clinical features, risk factors, symptom time-course, and quality of life implications for parosmia among coronavirus disease (COVID)-related olfactory dysfunction patients. Methods: Individuals with olfactory dysfunction associated with laboratory-confirmed or clinically suspected COVID-19 infection were recruited from otolaryngology and primary care practices over a period from August 2020 to March 2021. Participants completed olfactory dysfunction and quality of life surveys. Results: A total of 148 (64.1%) of 231 respondents reported parosmia at some point. Parosmia developed within 1 week of any COVID-19 symptom onset in 25.4% of respondents, but more than 1 month after symptom onset in 43.4% of respondents. Parosmia was associated with significantly better quantitative olfactory scores on Brief Smell Identification Test (8.7 vs. 7.5, P =.006), but demonstrated worse quality of life scores, including modified brief Questionnaire of Olfactory Dysfunction—Negative Statements and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores (12.1 vs. 8.5, P