COVID‐19‐related chemosensory changes: Findings from a prospective national database

Objective The aim of this study was to review findings from a large prospective national database of chemosensory disturbances associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. Data Sources The Virginia Commonwealth University Smell and Taste Center national database of COVID‐19 chemosensory disturbances. Methods A series of online surveys, first opened on April 10, 2020, was made accessible nationwide to any adult with sudden chemosensory dysfunction since January 2020. Participants received subsequent follow‐up surveys 14 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after enrollment. An additional survey was sent to all participants on May 28, 2022 to assess long‐term outcomes. Information pertaining to demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, treatments, and life impact was collected. Results Of 363 participants who reported complete smell recovery, 51.2% recovered within 1 month, 70% within 3 months, and 79% within 6 months, while 8.8% took over 1 year to completely recover. Among all participants, 7.5% had no smell recovery. Positive predictors of recovery included age