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Kolkata Fever Patients Report Lost Sense of Smell
7 Mar
Summary
- Kolkata hospitals see fever patients experiencing smell loss.
- Doctors suspect viral mutations behind the loss of smell.
- Symptoms usually resolve within two to three days.
Kolkata hospitals are observing a trend of patients presenting with fever and a notable loss of smell, causing significant concern and prompting requests for COVID-19 testing. Medical professionals believe that these symptoms, previously associated with COVID-19, could now stem from common viral infections like rhinovirus and adenovirus circulating in the region. Doctors hypothesize that these viruses may have mutated, impacting the olfactory nerves responsible for the sense of smell.
This post-viral olfactory dysfunction, characterized by damage to the olfactory epithelium, results in congestion and temporary loss of smell. While patients often recover within two to three days, some cases might require medical consultation if symptoms persist beyond 15 to 20 days, potentially indicating allergies or polyps. In instances of secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed, though their effectiveness depends on the primary viral cause. Clinical evaluation and supportive care are crucial for recovery, with multidisciplinary approaches sometimes necessary.
