A clinical observation of otorhinolaryngological manifestations in post covid-19 patients

Abstract

Background & objective:COVID-19 disease caused by the Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-COV2) is causing a World-wide health crisis since 2020. Nose, nasopharynx, oropharynx are the major sites were SARS-CoV2 virusharbours and act as the source of transmission, various ENT related post-COVID manifestations are being observed every now and then.We conducted this study with the aim of observing ear, nose, throat manifestations in post-COVID patients.method:We conducted an Observational study on 136 patients, who came to our outpatient department, Department of otorhinolaryngology & Head and neck surgery, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were observed for the period of 6months. For all the patients, detailed history taking and physical examination done. All the patients were investigated according their presenting complaint and they were analysed.Results:In our study males(88, 65%) were the most common to develop post-ENT manifestations. The most common affected age group was 41-50 years (48, 35%). Among these 136 patients, 20(15%), 51(37%), 33(24%) and 32(24%) patients developed Ear, Nose, Throat and multiple manifestations respectively.The most common symptom was Headache seen in 22(16%) patients while least common was the Tinnitus noted in 1(1%) patient. Ear manifestations include Sensorineural hearing loss (11, 8%), conductive hearing loss (4, 3%), otitis media with effusion(4, 3%) and tinnitus(1, 1%). The nose & paranasal sinus manifestations include Headache (22, 16%), dryness of nose (14,10%), olfactory dysfunction (12,9%) and epistaxis (3, 2%). The larynx and pharyngeal manifestation include dryness of mouth (11,8%), Sore throat (5. 4%), Gustatory dysfunction (5,4%), LPR (4, 3%), Vocal cord palsy (3, 2%), Aphthous ulcer (3, 2%) and oral candidiasis (2, 1%).Conclusion:In our study observed that nose and paranasal sinuses manifestation were the most common ENT manifestation among post-COVID-19 infected patients. It is being observed in our day-to-day practice post-COVID ENT manifestations are increasing. Hence, further detailed study on this subject is necessary for better understanding of these manifestations and their management.