-
Current Nutrition Reports Dec 2021Nutritional status is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, directly or indirectly. Even with the recent rollout of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Nutritional status is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, directly or indirectly. Even with the recent rollout of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and availability of medicines such as remdesivir, and monoclonal antibodies, host nutritional status is pivotal in the fight against the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and outcomes. The purpose of this review is to discuss the effects of COVID-19-related lockdown on lifestyle behaviors, and the nutritional consequences, and the direct sequelae of the infection on nutrition including potential nutritional interventions.
RECENT FINDINGS
The COVID-19-related lockdown imposed radical changes in lifestyle behaviors with considerable short-term and long-term health and nutritional consequences including weight gain and obesity and increased cardiometabolic risk, consistently linked to worsened prognosis. The extent of the impact was dependent on food insecurity, overall stress and disordered eating, physical inactivity, and exposure to COVID-19-related nutrition information sources. COVID-19 could directly induce inflammatory responses and poor nutrient intake and absorption leading to undernutrition with micronutrient deficiencies, which impairs immune system function with subsequent amplified risk of infection and disease severity. Nutrition interventions through nutrition support, dietary supplementation, and home remedies such as use of zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids showed the most significant promise to mitigate the course of COVID-19 infection and improve survival rates. The nutrition-COVID-19 relationship and related dietary changes mimic a vicious cycle of the double burden of malnutrition, both obesity and undernutrition with micronutrient deficiencies, which promote infection, disease progression, and potential death.
Topics: COVID-19; Communicable Disease Control; Humans; Nutritional Status; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34837637
DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00380-2 -
European Journal of Neurology Dec 2022Clinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been thoroughly investigated, but a further analysis on main...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Clinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been thoroughly investigated, but a further analysis on main signs and symptoms and their risk factors still needs attention. The objective of this study was to group together and describe based on similarity the most common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in MS patients and identify all factors associated with their manifestation.
METHOD
Logistic and linear regression models were run to recognize factors associated with each pooled group of symptoms and their total number.
RESULTS
From March 2020 to November 2021, data were collected from 1354 MS patients with confirmed infection of COVID-19. Ageusia and anosmia was less frequent in older people (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; p = 0.005) and more in smoker patients (OR 1.39; p = 0.049). Smoke was also associated with an incremental number of symptoms (OR 1.24; p = 0.031), substance abuse (drugs or alcohol), conjunctivitis and rash (OR 5.20; p = 0.042) and the presence of at least one comorbidity with shortness of breath, tachycardia or chest pain (OR 1.24; p = 0.008). Some disease-modifying therapies were associated with greater frequencies of certain COVID-19 symptoms (association between anti-CD20 therapies and increment in the number of concomitant symptoms: OR 1.29; p = 0.05). Differences in frequencies between the three waves were found for flu-like symptoms (G1, p = 0.024), joint or muscle pain (G2, p = 0.013) and ageusia and anosmia (G5, p < 0.001). All cases should be referred to variants up to Delta.
CONCLUSION
Several factors along with the choice of specific therapeutic approaches might have a different impact on the occurrence of some COVID-19 symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Aged; COVID-19; Ageusia; SARS-CoV-2; Anosmia; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 36086905
DOI: 10.1111/ene.15554 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Oct 2022Anosmia (loss of smell) and Ageusia (loss of taste) are newly presenting independent symptoms in association with multiple symptoms such as Fever, Dry cough and...
Anosmia (loss of smell) and Ageusia (loss of taste) are newly presenting independent symptoms in association with multiple symptoms such as Fever, Dry cough and Breathlessness in COVID 19 Patients.The Study of aims is to estimate Prevalence of Anosmia & Ageusia in Confirmed Covid 19 cases and to assess their Recovery rates. A Study conducted between June 2020 and September 2020 at a tertiary care COVID Dedicated hospital. Total 200 patients with age group 12-70 years Confirmed COVID 19 Positive Patients using RTPCR having mild to moderate symptoms were included. Patients were examined Clinically alongwith all safety measures to analyse prevalence & estimate their recoveries from sensory impairement using 10 item based DyNaCHRON questionnaire(concerned with taste and smell) at 10th, 14th & 21st Day. Out of 200 patients, Prevalence of Isolated Ageusia is 7%, Isolated Anosmia 4.5% and with Anosmia and Ageusia 4%. Complete Recovery regained in Ageusia within 14 days, while Rest all patients of Anosmia and both (Anosmia and Ageusia) within 21 days, Except 2 patients where long term Anosmia persists. Newly onset Anosmia and Ageusia are common in early stages of Covid 19 disease. They are Prevalent in mild to moderate symptomatic form of Diseases. Recovery in most cases is rapid and complete.Early Screening tests performed in suspected COVID 19 patients with loss of taste and smell sensation allows early diagnosis and treatment.
PubMed: 33868972
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02540-w -
Journal of Neurovirology Feb 2023Clinical manifestations of human coronavirus (HCoV)-related diseases are mostly related to the respiratory system, although secondary complications such as headache,...
Clinical manifestations of human coronavirus (HCoV)-related diseases are mostly related to the respiratory system, although secondary complications such as headache, anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia have been reported. HCoV infection and replication in chemosensory cells associated with ageusia and anosmia is poorly understood. Here, we characterized HCoV-OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in two types of chemosensory cells, olfactory and taste cells, with their unique molecular and histological characteristics. We first assessed HCoV-OC43 infection in in vitro cultured human olfactory epithelial cells (hOECs) and fungiform taste papilla (HBO) cells. Interestingly, while both cell types were susceptible to HCoV-OC43 infection, viral replication rates were significantly reduced in HBO cells compared to hOECs. More interestingly, while culture media from hOECs was able to produce secondary infection in Vero cells, there was very limited secondary infection from HBO cells, suggesting that HBO cells may not be able to release infectious virus. On the other hand, unlike HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV-2 showed comparable levels of viral infection rates in both hOECs and HBO cells. Furthermore, our RT-qPCR-based gene array studies revealed that several key genes involved in taste and olfactory functions were significantly altered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. These results may suggest a possible mechanism associated with chemosensory symptoms, such as anosmia and ageusia in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Topics: Animals; Chlorocebus aethiops; Humans; COVID-19; Vero Cells; Ageusia; Anosmia; Coinfection; SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus OC43, Human
PubMed: 36719595
DOI: 10.1007/s13365-023-01117-3 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Nov 2021Anosmia and ageusia are symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, but the relationship with disease severity, onset and recovery are unclear.
BACKGROUND
Anosmia and ageusia are symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, but the relationship with disease severity, onset and recovery are unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To examine factors associated with anosmia and ageusia and the recovery from these symptoms in an ethnically diverse cohort.
METHODS
Individuals tested for SARS-CoV-2 between March and April 2020 were eligible for the study. Randomly selected participants answered a telephone questionnaire on COVID-19 symptoms with a focus on anosmia and ageusia. Additionally, relevant past medical history and data on the COVID-19 clinical course were obtained from electronic medical records. 486 patients were in the COVID-19 group and 103 were COVID-19-negative.
RESULTS
Patients who were younger were more likely to report anosmia and/or ageusia (odds ratio (OR) for anosmia per 1-year increase in age: 0·98, 95%CI:0-97-0·99, = 0·003; for ageusia: 0·98, 95%CI:0·97-0·99, = 0·005) as were patients with lower eosinophil counts (OR for anosmia per 0.1-K/μL increase in eosinophils: 0·02, 95%CI:0·001-0·46, = 0·01, for ageusia 0·10, 95%CI:0·01-0·97, = 0·047). Male gender was independently associated with a lower probability of ageusia (OR:0·56, 95%CI:0·38-0·82, = 0·003) and earlier sense of taste recovery (HR:1·44, 95%CI:1·05-1·98, = 0·02). Latinos showed earlier sense of taste recovery than white patients (HR:1·82, 95%CI:1·05-3·18, = 0·03).
CONCLUSION
Anosmia and ageusia were more common among younger patients and those with lower blood eosinophil counts. Ageusia was less commonly reported among men, and time to taste recovery was earlier among both men and Latinos.
Topics: Ageusia; Anosmia; COVID-19; Eosinophils; Humans; Infant; Male; Olfaction Disorders; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33813917
DOI: 10.1177/19458924211004800 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Jan 2022Neurological symptoms are frequent among patients with COVID-19. Little is known regarding the repercussions of neurological symptoms for patients and how these symptoms...
BACKGROUND
Neurological symptoms are frequent among patients with COVID-19. Little is known regarding the repercussions of neurological symptoms for patients and how these symptoms are related to one another.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether there is an association between the neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19, and to characterize the headache.
METHOD
This was a cross-sectional study. All hospital inpatients and health workers at the Hospital Universitario Oswaldo Cruz with a PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection between March and June 2020 were considered for the study and were interviewed by telephone at least 2-months after the acute phase of the disease. These patients were identified by the hospital epidemiological surveillance department. A semi-structured questionnaire was used containing sociodemographic and clinical data and the ID-Migraine.
RESULTS
A total of 288 patients was interviewed; 53.1% were male; with a median age of 49.9 (41.5-60.5) years; 91.7% presented some neurological symptom; 22.2% reported some neurological symptom as the symptom that troubled them most during COVID-19. Neurological symptoms were: ageusia (69.8%), headache (69.1%), anosmia (67%), myalgia (44.4%), drowsiness (37.2%), agitation (20.8%); mental confusion (14.9%), syncope (4.9%) and epileptic seizures (2.8%). Females, those who presented with fever, sore throat, anosmia/ageusia and myalgia also presented significantly more with headache (logistic regression). The most frequent headache phenotype was a non-migraine phenotype, was of severe intensity and differed from previous headaches. This persisted for more than 30 days in 18% and for more than 90 days in 10% of patients. Thirteen percent of those with anosmia and 11% with ageusia continued with these complaints after more than 90 days of the acute phase of the disease. Aged over 50 years, agitation and epileptic seizures were significantly associated with mental confusion (logistic regression).
CONCLUSION
Headache is frequent in COVID-19, is associated with other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia, and may persist beyond the acute phase of the disease.
Topics: Aged; Ageusia; Anosmia; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Headache; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34979899
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01367-8 -
ELife Jul 2020The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has recently emerged as a serious jolt to human life and economy. Initial knowledge established pulmonary complications as... (Review)
Review
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has recently emerged as a serious jolt to human life and economy. Initial knowledge established pulmonary complications as the chief symptom, however, the neurological aspect of the disease is also becoming increasingly evident. Emerging reports of encephalopathies and similar ailments with the detection of the virus in the CSF has elicited an urgent need for investigating the possibility of neuroinvasiveness of the virus, which cannot be ruled out given the expression of low levels of ACE2 receptors in the brain. Sensory impairments of the olfactory and gustatory systems have also been reported in a large proportion of the cases, indicating the involvement of the peripheral nervous system. Hence, the possibility of neurological damage caused by the virus demands immediate attention and investigation of the mechanisms involved, so as to customize the treatment of patients presenting with neurological complications.
Topics: Ageusia; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Betacoronavirus; Brain; COVID-19; Cerebrovascular Disorders; Coronavirus Infections; Encephalitis, Viral; Host Microbial Interactions; Humans; Models, Neurological; Nervous System Diseases; Olfaction Disorders; Pandemics; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pneumonia, Viral; Receptors, Virus; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 32729463
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.59136 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Reports Jul 2021Clinical reports from patients suffering from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reflect a high prevalence of sensory deprivation or loss pertaining to smell...
BACKGROUND
Clinical reports from patients suffering from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reflect a high prevalence of sensory deprivation or loss pertaining to smell (dysosmia/anosmia) and/or taste (dysgeusia/ageusia). Given the importance of the senses to daily functioning and personal experience, the mental health consequences of these symptoms warrant further attention.
METHODS
A cohort of Reddit users posting within the /r/covid19positive subforum ( = 15,821) was leveraged to analyze instantaneous risk of transition to a state of suicidal ideation or depression using Cox proportional-hazards models. Risk transition was defined by posts made in suicide- or depression-related forums, or mentions of relevant phrases with and without mention of anosmia/ageusia in /r/covid19positive. Self-diagnosis of COVID-19 was also modeled as a separate and simultaneous predictor of mental health risk.
RESULTS
Mention of anosmia/ageusia was significantly associated with transition to a risk state. Users with a history of anosmia/ageusia-related posts and who self-identified as COVID-19 positive had 30% higher instantaneous risk relative to others. The highest increase in instantaneous risk of suicidal ideation or depression occurred more than 100 days after first posting in /r/covid19positive.
LIMITATIONS
Use of self-diagnosed disease as well as a broad array of anosmia/ageusia-related terminology may entail both information bias and overestimates of symptom incidence.
CONCLUSIONS
The specific effects of COVID-19 on the senses may have long-term implications for patient mental health well-being beyond the primary recovery period. Future work is needed to investigate the longitudinal mental health burden of residual COVID-19 symptom presentation.
PubMed: 34075369
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100156 -
Dentistry Journal May 2023Since the worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, treating taste and saliva secretory disorders associated with... (Review)
Review
Since the worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, treating taste and saliva secretory disorders associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a critical issue. The aim of the present study was to update information on treatments applicable to such oral symptoms and discuss their pathogenic mechanisms. The literature search indicated that different treatments using tetracycline, corticosteroids, zinc, stellate ganglion block, phytochemical curcumin, traditional herbal medicine, nutraceutical vitamin D, photobiomodulation, antiviral drugs, malic acid sialagogue, chewing gum, acupuncture, and/or moxibustion have potential effects on COVID-19-associated ageusia/dysgeusia/hypogeusia and xerostomia/dry mouth/hyposalivation. These treatments have multiple modes of action on viral cellular entry and replication, cell proliferation and differentiation, immunity, and/or SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced pathological conditions such as inflammation, cytokine storm, pyroptosis, neuropathy, zinc dyshomeostasis, and dysautonomia. An understanding of currently available treatment options is required for dental professionals because they may treat patients who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 or who recovered from COVID-19, and become aware of their abnormal taste and salivary secretion. By doing so, dentists and dental hygienists could play a crucial role in managing COVID-19 oral symptoms and contribute to improving the oral health-related quality of life of the relevant patients.
PubMed: 37366663
DOI: 10.3390/dj11060140 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Jul 2014Tastes in humans provide a vital tool for screening soluble chemicals for food evaluation, selection, and avoidance of potentially toxic substances. Taste or gustatory... (Review)
Review
Tastes in humans provide a vital tool for screening soluble chemicals for food evaluation, selection, and avoidance of potentially toxic substances. Taste or gustatory dysfunctions are implicated in loss of appetite, unintended weight loss, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life. Dental practitioners are often the first clinicians to be presented with complaints about taste dysfunction. This brief review provides a summary of the common causes of taste disorders, problems associated with assessing taste function in a clinical setting and management options available to the dental practitioner.
PubMed: 25210380
DOI: 10.4103/0975-7406.137257