Wendy Smith, MD, discusses possible coronavirus impacts on smell and taste with ABC News

Wendy Smith, MD, an otolaryngologist with The Permanente Medical Group, discussed new evidence that symptoms of the coronavirus may affect the senses of smell and taste, in a story on the ABC News website.

“The good news is that the symptoms seem to be self-limiting and improve with time,” said Dr. Smith, who practices at the Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center.

An altered sense of taste is called dysgeusia, while loss of smell is known as anosmia.

The story, “COVID-19 symptoms may include altered senses of smell, taste,” reports on a statement released earlier this week by the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, which reported: “Anecdotal evidence is rapidly accumulating from sites around the world that anosmia and dysgeusia are significant symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Anosmia, in particular, has been seen in patients ultimately testing positive for the coronavirus with no other symptoms.”

Many viral infections, including the common cold, are known to impair the senses, but these symptoms are temporary, Dr. Smith told ABC News.

“Up to two-thirds of postviral anosmia cases resolve spontaneously. This typically occurs within 6 to 12 months. Cases related to COVID-19 may resolve more quickly.”

Go to the ABC News website to read the full story.