Ugeskrift for laeger
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In the aftermath of COVID-19, the association between SARS-CoV-2 and chemosensory deficits have been well established. Taste and smell loss have been included in the official lists of symptoms worldwide, as it is a common symptom (and for some patients the only symptom) of COVID-19 as described in this review. Patients with COVID-19 often have combined taste and smell loss, have a milder clinical presentation, and are younger than previous patients with postviral olfactory loss. Patients should start olfactory training early and should be seen by an ear, nose and throat physician if they do not experience improvement of the senses within 12 weeks.
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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been suggested as a beneficial treatment for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of CPAP treatment is to improve oxygenation, unload respiratory muscles and possibly delay or avoid intubation. This review describes the physiological rationale behind CPAP therapy for patients with COVID-19 and the clinical experience with CPAP, implemented in a medical ward without prior knowledge of the treatment. CPAP has the potential for reducing the burden on intensive care units if implemented on a medical ward by a multidisciplinary approach.