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COVID-19 / SPECIALTY RESEARCH

Otolaryngology (ENT)In perspective.

The key COVID-19 findings in otolaryngology (ent), distilled into a clear, readable brief. The evidence is here whenever you want to go deeper.

INSIDE THIS MONITOR
43cited sources
12available findings

Study findings updated

AI-assisted evidence summary. For general information. These findings are not individual medical advice or a clinician endorsement.

THE SHORT VERSION

What’s worth knowing.

The key findings, what they mean, and the context that matters.

THE HEADLINE TAKEAWAY44%

Saudi pooled estimates found frequent smell and taste dysfunction

Among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, pooled anosmia prevalence was 44%; pooled taste dysfunction prevalence was 46%.

The review included predominantly self-reported measures. Methodological heterogeneity and the lack of a prospectively registered protocol limit interpretation.

See the evidence

Pooled prevalence of anosmia among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.

44%
95% CI: 37-52%

Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.

Added

Pooled prevalence of taste dysfunction among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.

46%
95% CI: 39-54%

Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.

Added

02

Glucocorticoid results varied across smell-loss conditions

Glucocorticoids were associated with improved smell in COVID-19-related disorders and analyses involving nasal polyps, but no clear benefit was established for allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps.

The review covered non-traumatic smell disorders. Positive findings had significant between-study heterogeneity; comparison groups, formulations, doses and underlying study designs are unavailable in this summary.

See the evidence

Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in COVID-19-related olfactory disorders across 13 studies and 1,538 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

SMD = 0.53
95% CI: 0.27-0.79

Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

Added

Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in olfactory function among patients with nasal polyposis across 9 studies and 2,022 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

SMD = 0.56
95% CI: 0.39-0.72

Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

Added

Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in olfactory function for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps across 5 studies and 318 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

SMD = 0.89
95% CI: 0.18-1.59

Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

Added

No significant glucocorticoid benefit for olfactory dysfunction associated with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps across 4 studies and 464 patients.

SMD = 0.25
95% CI: -0.03-0.53

Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

Added

No significant glucocorticoid benefit for olfactory dysfunction associated with allergic rhinitis across 3 studies and 240 patients.

SMD = 0.50
95% CI: -0.02-1.01

Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

Added

03

Persistent smell or taste problems were linked to broader symptoms

333%higher relative odds

Persistent versus recovered self-reported smell or taste dysfunction was associated with 333% higher relative odds of fatigue at four years, and with higher odds of memory difficulties at four years and insomnia.

The 333% figure is a relative odds comparison, not an absolute percentage-point difference. Population, design and adjustment details are unavailable in this summary, so causation is uncertain.

See the evidence

333% higher relative odds, calculated from OR 4.33. This is not an absolute percentage-point difference.

Association between persistent versus recovered self-reported chemosensory dysfunction and fatigue four years after symptom onset

OR 4.33

Hansen, Joachim Skovgaard et al.. Patient burden of chemosensory dysfunction and long COVID.. Danish medical journal. 2026.

Added

Association between persistent versus recovered self-reported chemosensory dysfunction and memory difficulties four years after symptom onset

OR 3.30

Hansen, Joachim Skovgaard et al.. Patient burden of chemosensory dysfunction and long COVID.. Danish medical journal. 2026.

Added

Association between persistent chemosensory dysfunction and self-reported insomnia compared with recovered dysfunction

OR 3.39

Hansen, Joachim Skovgaard et al.. Patient burden of chemosensory dysfunction and long COVID.. Danish medical journal. 2026.

Added

04

Objective testing found more smell loss than self-report

77%

Objective sensory testing identified olfactory dysfunction in 77% of COVID-19-positive patients; self-assessment often underreported it.

The study compared objective sensory testing with subjective methods. Participant numbers, illness timing and study design are not available in this summary.

See the evidence

Objective olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients

77%

Hannum ME, Ramirez VA, Lipson SJ, et al. Objective Sensory Testing Methods Reveal a Higher Prevalence of Olfactory Loss in COVID-19-Positive Patients Compared to Subjective Methods. Chem Senses. 2020;45(9):865-874.

Study-specific findings. Different populations, treatments and follow-up periods can produce different results.

THE RESEARCH, AS IT ARRIVES

Latest studies.

The newest findings added to this collection.
The learning from each, already distilled.

  1. STUDY 01Findings added
    TL;DR

    A four-year estimate of chemosensory recovery was reported

    The source reported a 43% estimate of full recovery from self-reported chemosensory (smell/taste) dysfunction four years after symptom onset. Its denominator population is unavailable in this summary.

    This source concerns COVID-related dysfunction. Persistent versus recovered dysfunction was associated with fatigue and memory difficulties at four years, and with insomnia. Sample size, study design and adjustment details are unavailable in this summary.

    Study details & original results

    Hansen, Joachim Skovgaard et al.. Patient burden of chemosensory dysfunction and long COVID.. Danish medical journal. 2026.

    Full self-reported recovery of chemosensory dysfunction four years after symptom onset

    43%

    Association between persistent versus recovered self-reported chemosensory dysfunction and fatigue four years after symptom onset

    OR 4.33

    Association between persistent versus recovered self-reported chemosensory dysfunction and memory difficulties four years after symptom onset

    OR 3.30

    Association between persistent chemosensory dysfunction and self-reported insomnia compared with recovered dysfunction

    OR 3.39

    Citation in Otolaryngology (ENT)
  2. STUDY 02Findings added
    TL;DR

    Saudi pooled estimates found frequent smell and taste dysfunction

    44%

    Among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia, pooled anosmia prevalence was 44%; pooled taste dysfunction prevalence was 46%.

    This systematic review and meta-analysis had methodological heterogeneity, included predominantly self-reported measures, and lacked a prospectively registered protocol.

    Study details & original results

    Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.

    Pooled prevalence of anosmia among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.

    44%
    95% CI: 37-52%

    Pooled prevalence of taste dysfunction among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.

    46%
    95% CI: 39-54%

    Citation in Otolaryngology (ENT)
  3. STUDY 03Findings added
    TL;DR

    Glucocorticoid results varied across smell-loss conditions

    Glucocorticoids were associated with improved smell in COVID-19-related disorders and analyses involving nasal polyps, but no clear benefit was established for allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps.

    This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 studies and 1,538 patients in its COVID-19-related analysis. Positive findings had significant between-study heterogeneity; comparison groups, formulations and doses are unavailable in this summary.

    Study details & original results

    Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

    Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in COVID-19-related olfactory disorders across 13 studies and 1,538 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

    SMD = 0.53
    95% CI: 0.27-0.79

    Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in olfactory function among patients with nasal polyposis across 9 studies and 2,022 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

    SMD = 0.56
    95% CI: 0.39-0.72

    Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in olfactory function for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps across 5 studies and 318 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

    SMD = 0.89
    95% CI: 0.18-1.59

    No significant glucocorticoid benefit for olfactory dysfunction associated with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps across 4 studies and 464 patients.

    SMD = 0.25
    95% CI: -0.03-0.53

    No significant glucocorticoid benefit for olfactory dysfunction associated with allergic rhinitis across 3 studies and 240 patients.

    SMD = 0.50
    95% CI: -0.02-1.01

    Citation in Otolaryngology (ENT)
3 of 3 study updates

Dates show when findings were added here, not when papers were published. Study populations and comparisons differ.

WHEN YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER
See all 12 findingsOriginal results, comparisons and study details.
3 of 3 source groupsFindings stay together with their study.
SOURCE 435 findings

Hansen, Joachim Skovgaard et al.. Patient burden of chemosensory dysfunction and long COVID.. Danish medical journal. 2026.

Full self-reported recovery of chemosensory dysfunction four years after symptom onset

Added

Association between persistent chemosensory dysfunction and self-reported insomnia compared with recovered dysfunction

Added
All 5 findings from this source

Self-reported persistent chemosensory dysfunction four years after symptom onset among participants aged 45-59 years

Added

Association between persistent versus recovered self-reported chemosensory dysfunction and fatigue four years after symptom onset

Added

Association between persistent versus recovered self-reported chemosensory dysfunction and memory difficulties four years after symptom onset

Added
SOURCE 422 findings

Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.

Pooled prevalence of taste dysfunction among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.

Added
46%95% CI: 39-54%Source [42]

Pooled prevalence of anosmia among confirmed COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia; interpretation is limited by methodological heterogeneity, predominantly self-reported measures, and the absence of a prospectively registered protocol.

Added
44%95% CI: 37-52%Source [42]
SOURCE 415 findings

Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in COVID-19-related olfactory disorders across 13 studies and 1,538 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

Added
SMD = 0.5395% CI: 0.27-0.79Source [41]

Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in olfactory function among patients with nasal polyposis across 9 studies and 2,022 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

Added
SMD = 0.5695% CI: 0.39-0.72Source [41]
All 5 findings from this source

Glucocorticoid-associated improvement in olfactory function for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps across 5 studies and 318 patients; significant heterogeneity was observed for positive outcomes.

Added
SMD = 0.8995% CI: 0.18-1.59Source [41]

No significant glucocorticoid benefit for olfactory dysfunction associated with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps across 4 studies and 464 patients.

Added
SMD = 0.2595% CI: -0.03-0.53Source [41]

No significant glucocorticoid benefit for olfactory dysfunction associated with allergic rhinitis across 3 studies and 240 patients.

Added
SMD = 0.5095% CI: -0.02-1.01Source [41]
Browse the 43 original sourcesThe complete bibliography behind this monitor.
  1. [1]

    Agyeman AA, Chin KL, Landersdorfer CB, et al. Smell and Taste Dysfunction in Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2020;95(8):1621-1631.

    Open original source in a new tab
  2. [2]

    Saniasiaya J, Islam MA, Abdullah B. Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Meta-analysis of 27,492 Patients. Laryngoscope. 2021;131(4):865-878.

    Open original source in a new tab
  3. [3]

    Hannum ME, Ramirez VA, Lipson SJ, et al. Objective Sensory Testing Methods Reveal a Higher Prevalence of Olfactory Loss in COVID-19-Positive Patients Compared to Subjective Methods. Chem Senses. 2020;45(9):865-874.

    Open original source in a new tab
  4. [4]

    von Bartheld CS, Hagen MM, Butowt R. Prevalence of Chemosensory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Reveals Significant Ethnic Differences. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2020;11(19):2944-2961.

    Open original source in a new tab
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    Almufarrij I, Uus K, Munro KJ. Does coronavirus affect the audio-vestibular system? A rapid systematic review. Int J Audiol. 2020;59(7):487-491.

    Open original source in a new tab
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    Jafari Z, Kolb BE, Bharat E. Auditory and Vestibular System Involvement in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Front Neurol. 2022;13:858866.

    Open original source in a new tab
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    Viola P, Ralli M, Pisani D, et al. Tinnitus and equilibrium disorders in COVID-19 patients: preliminary results. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021;278(10):3725-3730.

    Open original source in a new tab
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    Hopkins C, Surda P, Whitehead E, Kumar BN. Early recovery following new onset anosmia during the COVID-19 pandemic - an observational cohort study. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;49(1):26.

    Open original source in a new tab
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    Hopkins C, Surda P, Kumar N. Presentation of new onset anosmia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rhinology. 2020;58(3):295-298.

    Open original source in a new tab
  10. [10]

    Boscolo-Rizzo P, Tirelli G, Melber D, et al. Psychophysical assessment of olfactory function and quality of life in patients with COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction. Chem Senses. 2022;47:bjab066.

    Open original source in a new tab
  11. [11]

    Boscolo-Rizzo P, Menegaldo A, Fabbris C, et al. Six-Month Psychophysical Evaluation of Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with COVID-19. Chem Senses. 2021;46:bjab006.

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    Douaud G, Lee S, Alfaro-Almagro F, et al. SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank. Nature. 2022;604(7907):697-707.

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    Menni C, Valdes AM, Polidori L, et al. Symptom prevalence, duration, and risk of hospital admission in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during periods of omicron and delta variant dominance. Lancet. 2022;399(10335):1618-1624.

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    Vaira LA, Salzano G, Deiana G, De Riu G. Anosmia and Ageusia: Common Findings in COVID-19 Patients. Laryngoscope. 2020;130(7):1787.

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    Lechien JR, Chiesa-Estomba CM, De Siati DR, et al. Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions as a clinical presentation of mild-to-moderate forms of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2020;277(8):2251-2261.

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    Kandemirli SG, Altundag A, Yildirim D, et al. Olfactory Bulb MRI and Paranasal Sinus CT Findings in Persistent COVID-19 Anosmia. Acad Radiol. 2021;28(1):28-35.

    Open original source in a new tab
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    Politi LS, Salsano E, Grimaldi M. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Alteration of the Brain in a Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Anosmia. JAMA Neurol. 2020;77(8):1028-1029.

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    Yildirim D, Kandemirli SG, Tekcan Sanli DE, et al. A Comparative Olfactory MRI, DTI and fMRI Study of COVID-19 Related Anosmia and Post Viral Olfactory Dysfunction. Acad Radiol. 2022;29(1):31-41.

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    Parker JK, Kelly CE, Gane SB. Molecular Mechanism of Parosmia. medRxiv. 2022.

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    Liu DT, Sabha M, Ganhor S, et al. Parosmia is Associated with Relevant Olfactory Recovery After Olfactory Training. Laryngoscope. 2021;131(3):618-623.

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    Gane SB, Kelly C, Hopkins C. Isolated sudden onset anosmia in COVID-19 infection. A novel syndrome? Rhinology. 2020;58(3):299-301.

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    Maharaj S, Bello Alvarez M, Jinnah Z, et al. Otologic dysfunction in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2020;5(6):1192-1196.

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    Koumpa FS, Forde CT, Manjaly JG. Sudden irreversible hearing loss post COVID-19. BMJ Case Rep. 2020;13(11):e238419.

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    Munro KJ, Uus K, Almufarrij I, et al. Persistent self-reported changes in hearing and tinnitus in post-hospitalisation COVID-19 cases. Int J Audiol. 2020;59(12):889-890.

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    Lechien JR, Chiesa-Estomba CM, Cabaraux P, et al. Features of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Patients With Dysphonia. J Voice. 2022;36(2):249-255.

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    Allisan-Arrighi AE, Rapoport SK, Engel SH, et al. Voice Disorders in Long COVID: Characterization and Comparison to Pre-pandemic Complaints. Laryngoscope. 2022;132(9):1852-1858.

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    Brodsky MB, Nollet JL, Spronk PE, et al. Prevalence, Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Modalities, and Treatment Options for Dysphagia in Critically Ill Patients. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020;99(12):1164-1170.

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    Addison AB, Wong B, Ahmed T, et al. Clinical Olfactory Working Group consensus statement on the treatment of postinfectious olfactory dysfunction. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;147(5):1704-1719.

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    Hummel T, Rissom K, Reden J, et al. Effects of olfactory training in patients with olfactory loss. Laryngoscope. 2009;119(3):496-499.

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    Damm M, Pikart LK, Reimann H, et al. Olfactory training is helpful in postinfectious olfactory loss: a randomized, controlled, multicenter study. Laryngoscope. 2014;124(4):826-831.

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    Whitcroft KL, Hummel T. Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19: Diagnosis and Management. JAMA. 2020;323(24):2512-2514.

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    Whitcroft KL, Hummel T. Clinical Diagnosis and Current Management Strategies for Olfactory Dysfunction: A Review. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019;145(9):846-853.

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    Walker A, Pottinger G, Scott A, et al. Anosmia and loss of smell in the era of covid-19. BMJ. 2020;370:m2808.

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    Butowt R, von Bartheld CS. Anosmia in COVID-19: Underlying Mechanisms and Assessment of an Olfactory Route to Brain Infection. Neuroscientist. 2021;27(6):582-603.

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    Meng X, Deng Y, Dai Z, Meng Z. COVID-19 and anosmia: A review based on up-to-date knowledge. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020;41(5):102581.

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    Renaud M, Thibault C, Le Normand F, et al. Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Anosmia 1 Year After COVID-19 Diagnosis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(6):e2115352.

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    Khan AM, Kallogjeri D, Piccirillo JF. Growing Public Health Concern of COVID-19 Chronic Olfactory Dysfunction. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022;148(1):81-82.

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    Freni F, Meduri A, Gazia F, et al. Symptom patterns in COVID-19 patients and correlation with virus presence. J Clin Med. 2020;9(9):2957.

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  41. [41]

    Salimi, Sajjad et al.. Effect of glucocorticoids on smell sensation in patients with non-traumatic olfactory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2026.

    Open original source in a new tab
  42. [42]

    Aldrees, Turki. Assessing the prevalence of anosmia and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in public health. 2026.

    Open original source in a new tab
  43. [43]

    Hansen, Joachim Skovgaard et al.. Patient burden of chemosensory dysfunction and long COVID.. Danish medical journal. 2026.

    Open original source in a new tab
ABOUT THIS MONITOR

Understanding includes the limits.

This is an AI-assisted evidence summary, not a clinician endorsement. Read each original paper for its complete methods, population and limitations. Different studies can ask different questions and report different kinds of results.

Dates marked “added” describe when a finding entered this monitor, not when the study was published or clinically reviewed. Personal health and treatment decisions belong in a conversation with a qualified clinician.

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