Most COVID patients shared their food tasted like paper or cardboard
Most people claims that their foods tasted like this
The list of COVID symptoms is quite long. Some signs and symptoms are common, while others are witnessed in rare cases like diarrhoea and skin rashes. While no two COVID cases are the same, most patients who reported losing their sense of taste claimed that their food tasted like paper or cardboard.
How food taste when you’re suffering from COVID
Reportedly,
some people were not able to taste anything at all, while others
suggested that the food starts tasting bland. Everybody experienced
different things when they lost the ability to smell and taste the food.
But out of all, most individuals who have contracted the coronavirus
claimed that their food tasted like paper or cardboard.
In some critical cases, it was also noticed that patients developed parosmia—a condition characterized as a lingering, foul-smelling scent and altered sense of taste. This symptom of coronavirus is quite unique and is rarely witnessed in any other kind of infection. This has even made scientists think a loss of taste and smell is the best way of knowing if someone has caught the virus.
How COVID affects the taste buds
Exactly
why the COVID virus affects the taste and smell buds is not yet known.
That's because it is very uncommon for upper respiratory infections to
affect our sense of smell and taste.
But as per a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, coronavirus enters the human body by binding to a protein called the angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE-2). This protein is commonly present on the surface of cells in the heart, lungs, throat, gut, and nose, which could be a possible reason behind the temporary loss of smell.
Our sense of taste and sense are closely linked. This could be a potential reason a loss of smell greatly impacts your sense of taste.
How to test your sense of smell and taste
If you are concerned about losing your sense of smell or taste, you can use common household items to test them.
Smell test: Try to smell foods that have a strong characteristic smell. Foods like coffee beans, cinnamon, or fresh garlic can be a great option.
Taste test: Even for testing your taste buds, look for foods with different taste. Some good choices can include things like milk chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee, and wafers.
If you find that you have a problem in picking up the distinct taste and flavour of these particular foods, you may be experiencing a loss of smell or taste.
It has been reported that normally people experience loss of smell and taste for 8 days after getting infected. But in some cases, it can take 28 days to clear up.
The bottom line
When
it comes to the symptoms of COVID, there are a lot of things that are
uncertain. Remember not everyone will experience the same thing. So,
even if you witness the slightest change in your condition, it is better
to consult your doctor and get proper treatment. The symptoms of
coronavirus develop suddenly and if proper attention is not paid, it can
turn serious.