This article discusses the widespread impact of coronavirus, noting that approximately half of the population has been infected. It highlights three common oral symptoms associated with COVID-19: dry mouth, altered sense of taste, and oral mucosal lesions, including the phenomenon known as “COVID tongue.” Research indicates that these symptoms, while not life-threatening, can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. The article also outlines other prevalent COVID-19 symptoms according to the Robert Koch Institute.
The following content is published by Focus online*
Approximately half of the population has experienced infection from the coronavirus, but the true figure may be even higher. Symptoms can differ among individuals, but common complaints include cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and fever. Additionally, there are specific oral symptoms linked to COVID-19. A comprehensive study has identified the three most prevalent oral signs associated with the virus:
1. Dry Mouth
Research led by Lili Chen indicates that xerostomia, or dry mouth, is the most frequently reported oral symptom in COVID-19 patients, affecting over 46% of those infected. This condition often appears alongside other symptoms, such as inflammation of the oral mucosa, alterations in taste perception, a burning sensation in the mouth, inflammation of the salivary glands, or difficulty swallowing.
While dry mouth itself is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact the quality of life and oral health for patients, according to the findings.
2. Altered Sense of Taste
Especially among women, many individuals have noted changes or a complete loss of taste during the initial wave of the pandemic. Typically, dysgeusia presents within five days following a COVID-19 diagnosis and generally lasts around two weeks. In more severe instances, it may persist for up to four weeks, affecting all taste sensations, including sour, sweet, salty, and spicy.
3. Oral Mucosal Injuries & “Corona Tongue”
Oral mucosal lesions are less common compared to dysgeusia and xerostomia, impacting about 20.5% of COVID-19 patients. These lesions usually develop within ten days of infection and tend to resolve after one to three weeks with appropriate treatments, such as antiviral medications or photobiomodulation therapy.
Individuals in older age brackets, those with underlying health conditions, diabetics, and individuals with poor oral hygiene are considered higher-risk groups. Common complications may include herpes outbreaks, fungal infections, and bleeding gums. The phenomenon known as “corona tongue” or “map tongue” has also been reported more frequently.
The “COVID tongue” is recognized as a potential symptom. Images showcasing various skin symptoms in COVID-19 patients can be found on covidskinsigns.org, which illustrate the characteristics of the “COVID tongue.” Patients may exhibit small red and white spots or blisters and/or experience swelling of the tongue.
Research from Spain reported a significant presence of white and red spots on the tongues of infected individuals, noted in a study involving 666 patients with mild to severe symptoms conducted at a temporary COVID-19 hospital.
Among these patients, 25% displayed oral abnormalities: 11% had enlarged papillae on the tongue, 6% exhibited indentations, 7% had aphthae, and 4% presented with a heavily coated tongue due to glossitis.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms in Germany
According to the Robert Koch Institute, the following are frequent symptoms associated with COVID-19 in Germany:
The Institute also notes other symptoms, including sore throat, shortness of breath, headaches, body aches, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, apathy, and fatigue.
This article first appeared on our colleagues at focus.de