Persistence of Olfactory Dysfunction in Post CoVid-19 Patients Using Sniffin Sticks-A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION This study is conducted to assess the Olfactory dysfunction (OD) of CoVid-19 recovered patients using ODOFIN Sniffin’ Sticks and to analyze the demographic features, duration of recovery, co-morbidities/metabolic disorders associated with persistence of OD in Post CoVid-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS This Prospective observational study was conducted at our tertiary care hospital on 40 CoVid-19 recovered patients with persistent OD. The olfaction was assessed qualitatively using ODOFIN Sniffin’ sticks at 6th, 10th, 12th weeks Post CoVid and the results documented and analysed. RESULTS Total 40 eligible patients were selected. 50% of study participants were males and 60% aged 18-38 years. 3 patients were Diabetic and 3 were Hypertensive. 37 had OD of which 26 had Hyposmia and 11 had Anosmia 6 weeks Post CoVid. 22 had OD of which 14 had Hyposmia and 8 had Anosmia 10 weeks Post CoVid. 10 had persistent OD 12 weeks Post CoVid. There was no association found between age, co-morbidities and OD at 6, 10 and 12 weeks Post CoVid (p>0.05). Hyposmia was common among females at 10 weeks Post CoVid which was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Knowledge about time pattern on the recovery of OD in Post CoVid patients will be essential in counselling and treating them.