Otolaryngological manifestations of hospitalised patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection

Abstract

The aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of otolaryngology symptoms in COVID 19 patients. Methods 116 patients with positive PCR test results for COVID-19 and followed up by otolaryngologists at a tertiary referral center/COVID-19 pandemic hospital were questioned in terms of otolaryngology symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Data including demographics, disease severity, concomitant diseases, previous otolaryngologic diseases,incidence and duration of new onset symptoms were collected and categorically analyzed. In addition, the severity of loss of smell and taste was evaluated by visual analogue score (VAS). Results A total of 58 men and 58 women participated. The mean age of the patients was 57.24 ± 14.32 (19-83). The most common otolaryngological findings were hyposmia/anosmia (37.9%) and hypogeusia/ageusia (41.37%), respectively. These complaints were followed by headache (37.1%), and nausea/vomiting (31%). The most common oropharyngeal symptoms were sore throat (32.7%) and dysphagia (20.6%). The rate of otological/vestibular symptoms was dizziness (31.8%), tinnitus (11%), true vertigo (6%), and hearing impairment (5.1%), respectively. The most of symptoms were more frequent in > 60 years and women. There was a significant correlation between nasal itching and smell disturbance in patients with allergic rhinitis. Considering the duration of symptoms, the longest were hyposmia/anosmia and hypogeusia/ageusia. The mean VAS's in patients with hyposmia/anosmia and hypogeusia/ageusia were 5.52 ± 2.08 and 5.79 ± 2.21, respectively. Conclusion The most common otolaryngologic symptoms of COVID-19 infection are known as sore throat, smell and/ or taste disturbances. However, our study showed that these patients can be seen with different symptoms in otological or laryngeal areas. Therefore, a more careful evaluation should be made in terms of otolaryngologic symptoms when COVID 19 infection is suspected.

Tinnitus and equilibrium disorders in COVID-19 patients: preliminary results

“…Coronavirus-related otoneurological symptoms, such as tinnitus and balance disorders, have been described so far [ 10 , 23 – 29 ], as neurotrophic and neuroinvasive capabilities are typical of some coronaviruses [ 30 ]. Previous studies on other coronavirus infections showed a brain involvement, focusing attention on the possible neuro-auditory impairment following this infection [ 31 , 32 ].…”

“…Despite the growing amount of scientific literature on COVID-19, studies that correlate audiovestibular symptoms to SARS-CoV-2 infection are still limited and further investigation is necessary for a better estimate of their incidence [ 10 , 23 – 29 ]. Furthermore, the incidence of audiovestibular symptoms among patients infected with other types of coronavirus (i.e., MERS and SARS) is debated [ 28 ].…”

“…The neurotropic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 are still being investigated; genome sequences were detected in the brain of affected patients, with evidence of some pathologic changes in the hypothalamus and cortex neurons [ 5 , 6 ] and in the cerebrospinal fluids [ 7 ]. Several neurological manifestations such as impaired consciousness, headache, and dizziness have been reported in COVID-19 patients [ 8 – 10 ]; in addition, olfactory and taste alterations are common symptoms in patients affected by COVID-19 [ 11 – 15 ].…”

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2-Induced Neurological Complications

“…Eight cases developed sudden and complete loss of smell without respiratory symptoms (Gilani et al, 2020 ). Additionally, patients may present with other sensory dysfunctions, including oropharyngeal and ontological/vestibular disturbances: sore throat, dysphagia, vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss are common complications (Krajewska et al, 2020 ; Ozcelik Korkmaz et al, 2020 ). For instance, a middle-aged woman with sudden dizziness and dry throat was confirmed to have COVID-19.…”

The impact and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with head and neck cancer and acute upper airway infection in a tertiary otorhinolaryngology referral center in Denmark

“…Our approach differs from other reports that characterized patients which were already confirmed to have COVID-19. We aimed in our case series to investigate the occurrence of unidentified cases among ENT patients due to the overlap of common symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion [ 22 ].…”