The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to persist for millions of individuals, with approximately one in four people who fell ill during the early stages of the outbreak still experiencing a loss of smell or taste.
A recent study published in The Laryngoscope has revealed this alarming finding, emphasizing that the loss of these senses is more than just an interesting quirk or novelty; it carries significant medical implications.
Neil Bhattacharyya, a professor at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, asserted that the loss of smell or taste should not be underestimated. “Losing your sense of smell or taste isn’t as benign as you may think,” he stated in a news release.
He went on to explain that it could lead to reduced enjoyment of food and, in severe cases, even contribute to depression and weight loss. One of Bhattacharyya’s patients, for instance, lost a staggering 50 pounds due to the loss of smell and taste.
“[It can] lead to decreased eating for pleasure and, in more extreme cases, it can lead to depression and weight loss,” Bhattacharyya told Fortune Well.
Patients frequently describe their experience as food tasting like cardboard, highlighting the impact of this sensory impairment. Moreover, the consequences could be severe, particularly if an individual is unable to detect dangerous situations such as gas leaks or house fires. Additionally, careers that rely on taste and smell are significantly affected.
Last year, Jackson Kalb, a contestant on “Top Chef: Houston,” revealed that he had lost his sense of taste shortly after contracting COVID-19, just days before the reality show competition. While Kalb reported a complete return of his taste eight months later, uncertainty still lingers.
The recent study examined data from the 2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which encompassed survey responses from nearly 30,000 adults across the United States. The survey data revealed that in 2021, 35.8 million people, approximately 14% of the adult population in…
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