Impaired senses and mental health consequences in long covid-19 patients.
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Date
2022
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Publisher
UMT, Lhr
Abstract
Background: Loss or distortion of smell and taste has appeared as potential diagnosissymptoms. A considerable percentage of patients around the globe are suffering fromlong-COVID-19 symptoms. Loss of smell and taste are associated with mental health disorder in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of los of smell and taste and their effect on mental health in COVID-19 patients using DASS-21 tool. Methodology: A 6-months long research survey was organized since May to November, 2021 in COVID-19 patients. Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21) has been used for the assessment of mental health disorder in COVID-19 patients. Total 647 individuals (either reported with COVID-19 test or had symptoms) participated in this study. Results: Majority of the respondents were from Lahore and of age between 23-31years. As per survey results, 72.6% cases showed long term anosmia , 73.4% cases showed long term ageusia and 69.2% cases showed Parosmia. The level of mental health disorder (i.e. depression, anxiety and stress) was significantly higher in patients with senses dysfunction as compared to asymptomatic patients. The level of mental health disorder among patients suffering from long term parosmia was significantly higher in participants than that of anosmia and ageusia. 91.8% patients had quarantined themselves at homes and resulted in misuse of antibiotics due to easy access of antibiotics. Herbal remedies and smell trainings resulted in regain of the senses in COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: In conclusion, anosmia, ageusia and parosmia are prominent diagnostic symptoms of COVID-19 infection leading to stress, depression and anxiety in COVID-1 patients. People should be aware about its serious hazards. Clinically, it is needed to pay attention on the importance of analysis of chemosensory function in the patients of depression.