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KMID : 0644020220350020099
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Journal Of Korean Medical Classics
2022 Volume.35 No. 2 p.99 ~ p.120
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Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 from a Korean Medical Perspective
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Kim Sang-Hyun
Kim Jong-Hyun
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Abstract
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Objectives : To analyze symptoms of olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19 from a Korean Medical Perspective.
Methods : Previous studies dealing with olfactory dysfunction accompanying COVID-19 were studied and analyzed for general characterization. Physiology and pathology of olfactory functions within the classical texts of Korean Medicine were collected and analyzed, through which symptoms of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 were examined.
Results : Olfactory dysfunction manifested in high ratios in the early stages of confirmed COVID-19 cases, at times independent of other nasal symptoms such as blockage or discharge. There was a high chance of loss of taste being accompanied, while mental problems such as a tendency to have difficulty concentrating were present as well. In most cases, recovery took one to two weeks. From a Korean Medical perspective, physiology of olfactory function is closely linked to the Lungs, Ancetral Qi[宗氣], and the Heart, while its dysfunction could be explained by pathological factors such as Wind-Cold, Fire stagnation, Qi deficiency, Wind stroke, etc.
Conclusions : In the context of external contraction disease[外感病], olfactory dysfunction could be caused by problems in the Lungs and Stomach that are responsible for breathing, or the Heart which is involved in recognizing and differentiating scent. General characteristics of COVID-19 imply it to be closely related to the Heart. In clinical application, overall symptoms need to be considered in diagnosis and treatment planning, after which further approaches could made to determine the problem to be of the Lung and Stomach, or of the Heart.
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KEYWORD
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COVID-19, olfactory dysfunction, loss of smell, external contraction disease, loss of taste
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