Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV2 and is still not yet under complete control and no cure is available until this moment. It is still unpredictable to expect vaccination available worldwide in the near future. Early diagnosis hence becomes extremely important. Various papers have proven that early identification of loss of smell and taste is of significance in the diagnosis of this disease. Some patients of COVID-19 may carry on suffering from loss of smell and taste even long after the other symptoms of the infection subside. The aetiology, pathology, and mechanism of loss of smell and taste are discussed in this article, pointing out that impairment of meridians, disturbed Brain-Shen and dysfunction of the Zang-Fu organs are the key pathology of loss of smell and taste by COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine resolution with acupuncture and Chinese herbs are therefore demonstrated accordingly, aiming to establish some practical and effective strategies to deal with loss of smell and taste. This unique presentation in the treatment illustrate that even though loss of smell and taste being a single symptom, it requires a profound understanding on the complicated and sophisticated background mechanism of the COVID-19, which is urgently in need of comprehensive treatment in time. Loss of smell and taste by COVID-19 is not only a minor suffering of the infection, but also a very critical part of a fully recovery of COVID-19, it shall not be left untreated.

Keywords: SARS-CoV2, COVID-19, loss of smell, loss of taste, acupuncture, Chinese herbs

Citation: Tian-Jun Wang, Pei-Lin Sun, Liu-Zhong Ye. TCM analysis and strategy for COVID-19 associated loss of smell and taste. History & Philosophy of Medicine 2020, online.