ENT Symptomology in Active COVID-19 Patients in our Tertiary Care Centre

The aim of this study is to obtain a clear picture of ENT related symptoms in active COVID-19 patients. This study also intends to determine the association of ENT symptoms with Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction in these patients.

This is a prospective study on 70 active COVID-19 patients who were admitted in the Tertiary Care Hospital. History of all symptoms including Olfactory and Gustatory function were enquired after obtaining Informed Consent.

Throat related symptoms was 77.78%, Nasal symptoms accounted for 63.49% and Ear related symptoms constituted 14.28%. It was seen that Rhinorrhoea and Sneezing was significantly more associated in the presence of Olfactory dysfunction. The most common ENT symptoms were Sore throat (49.21%), Rhinorrhoea (34.92%), Sneezing (33.33%), changes in Smell perception (36.51%), changes in Taste perception (47.62%) and Headache (30.16%). 17.14% of the patients in this study had both Olfactory and Gustatory dysfunction. Ear related symptoms were also observed where 11.11% had Aural fullness, 3.17% with Tinnitus and 6.35% of the patients complained of Hearing loss which was either noticed for the first time or had worsened on contracting the COVID-19 disease.

Knowledge of ENT symptomatology in COVID 19 patients will aid in early quarantine and hence limitation of viral transmission. The manifestation of Anosmia or Hyposmia, Ageusia and Aural Fullness in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients can also act as an important tool and help in early isolation and quicker initiation of COVID-19 therapy.