RESUMO
The frequent association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and olfactory dysfunction is creating an unprecedented demand for a treatment of the olfactory loss. Systemic corticosteroids have been considered as a therapeutic option. However, based on current literature, we call for caution using these treatments in early COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction because: (1) evidence supporting their usefulness is weak; (2) the rate of spontaneous recovery of COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction is high; and (3) corticosteroids have well-known potential adverse effects. We encourage randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating the efficacy of systemic steroids in this indication and strongly emphasize to initially consider smell training, which is supported by a robust evidence base and has no known side effects.
Assuntos
Corticosteroides/farmacologia , COVID-19 , Conduta do Tratamento Medicamentoso/estatística & dados numéricos , Transtornos do Olfato , COVID-19/complicações , COVID-19/fisiopatologia , Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos/diagnóstico , Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos/etiologia , Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos/prevenção & controle , Saúde Global , Humanos , Conduta do Tratamento Medicamentoso/normas , Avaliação das Necessidades , Transtornos do Olfato/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos do Olfato/epidemiologia , Transtornos do Olfato/etiologia , Mucosa Olfatória/efeitos dos fármacos , Mucosa Olfatória/virologia , Remissão Espontânea , Projetos de Pesquisa , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Approximately 5% of the general population is affected by functional anosmia. An additional 15% exhibit decreased olfactory function. Many of these individuals ask ENT-doctors or neurologists for help. A cornerstone of the counselling process is the assessment of olfactory function. The aim of this work is to give a differentiated overview about the administration of commonly used psychophysical tests for olfactory and gustatory function including their normative data. CONCLUSION: The use of standardized, reliable and validated tools is mandatory to provide patients with state-of the-art counseling on treatment options.