Fever, headache, dry cough, diarrhea, these symptoms can all be signs of coronavirus infection. But there are other symptoms that we can ignore such as loss of taste or smell.
In an analysis, the Moroccan association of autoimmune and systemic diseases (AMMAIS), through the voice of its president, Dr. Moussayer Khadija, specialist in internal medicine and geriatrics, wants to draw more attention to its two symptoms than she describes as major.
According to Dr. Moussayer, the sudden loss of taste or smell are the most characteristic symptoms of the coronavirus, in this period, stressing that in front of such a sign, it is necessary to consult immediately and the untimely use of corticoids (by self-medication) is to prohibit.
Loss of taste or smell: ” Mark »Of the coronavirus
Referring to a coordinated study carried out by Professor Jérôme Lechien of the ENT department at Foch Hospital and Professor Sven Saussez, ORL and several other researchers at the University of Mons as well as 33 ENT doctors and researchers in 12 European hospitals, AMMAIS through its president indicates that despite the fact that the information has been reported many times but considered first of all as secondary or anecdotal, “alteration or loss of smell and / or taste has now been shown to be the most important marker for Covid-19“
Such sensory alterations occur in 80% to 90% of the cases studied in Europe and then regress rapidly for almost half of the subjects, says the specialist, referring to the conclusion of the said European study published in early April.
” The vast majority of infected people with no nasal blockage have also experienced such manifestations of the disease. For 12% of patients, the disturbances in smell and taste even occurred before the other symptoms of the disease: dry cough, fever, body aches, respiratory problems, etc.She continues.
A warning sign to check immediately
On the other hand, the specialist indicates that the loss of taste and smell is not a symptom specific to Covid-19 alone, indicating that it is essential to consult immediately to ensure that it is not due to another clearly identifiable pathology such as an allergy for example. If this is not the case, Dr Moussayer believes that it can be considered that the patient has Covid-19, knowing that it is no longer flu season (sometimes also causing this disorder).
Beware of the untimely use of corticoids (cortisone)
The specialist also warns against “ excessive use of cortisones“, noting that in the face of such a phenomenon, it is recommended by said study not to “especially not immediately self-medicate“, raising that it is unfortunately a “plague in Morocco” The study similarly warns against “treatment of patients with corticosteroids” pointing out that these drugs can worsen the progression of a Coronavirus.
Ultimately, Dr. Moussayer advises against washing the nose. The specialist believes that this risks “promote the spread of the virus in the respiratory tract“.
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