OCORRÊNCIA DE ALTERAÇÕES NA PERCEPÇÃO SENSORIAL DECORRENTES DA COVID-19.

Abstract

The disease known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus-2 infection (SARS-CoV-2), is a pandemic infectious disease that has threatened the entire world. COVID-19 is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations and common symptoms include total or partial loss of smell and/or taste perception. These sensory senses are responsible for provoking important emotional responses in human beings, in addition to being related to food, personal hygiene and safety. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize and investigate the prevalence of possible changes in the sensory perception of individuals who presented total or partial loss of smell and, or taste perception, when infected by the new coronavirus (COVID group) and compare with individuals who do not had a positive diagnosis of the disease and did not present any associated symptoms (Control group). For that, an online questionnaire was applied and individual remote interviews were carried out with the participants affected by sensory disorders, as well as sessions of gustatory and olfactory sensory tests, to determine the detection and recognition thresholds, as well as the quantification of the intensity of tastes and odors, and the results were compared with the population that did not present a positive diagnosis for the disease or associated symptoms. The results obtained through the questionnaires and interviews suggest that the total or partial loss of smell and/or taste perception are persistent symptoms that can be considered as predictors of infection by the new coronavirus. In addition, the association with other symptoms can be used as a tool to identify and diagnose the infection as soon as possible, contributing to early isolation and thus limiting the spread of the disease. The data presented show substantial concern about the quality of life, hygiene and personal safety attributable to olfactory and/or gustatory deficits caused in individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. Through the application of the tests, it was possible to identify a decrease in olfactory and gustatory abilities in the participants who presented sensory disorders due to COVID-19, suggesting a prevalence of these symptoms. The data obtained support the claim that the recognition capacity, both for tastes and odors, of the participants of the COVID group is considerably affected when compared to the Control group, being subject to further studies to verify the consequences in these individuals in a long term. The confirmation of the prevalence of these disorders is of extreme importance and substantial concern, being considered a public health problem, since the presence of sensory disorders drastically affects the quality of life of these individuals in relation to their diet, personal hygiene, safety, physical and mental health.