Allergic rhinitis in Covid-19 patients

Coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) is transmitted by respiratory droplets and causes upper respiratory tract symptoms. These features of Covid-19 are essential regarding its potential association with allergic rhinitis (AR).

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Covid-19 and AR and the effects of Covid-19 in patients with AR.

Between April 2020 and June 2020, in Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Training and Research Hospital, 322 patients who were diagnosed with Covid-19 with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab samples and with AR in their medical history were detected using the hospital's automation system. Demographic data including age, gender, and additional data such as main complaints, physical examination findings, duration of inpatient floor, and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were recorded. The medical history of the patients was reviewed and patients with previously diagnosed AR were identified. These patients were called by phone and their AR diagnoses were confirmed by performing the Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire.

The study population consisted of 322 patients aged between 18 and 85. Among these patients, 186 (57.8%) were male and 136 (42.2%) were female. Nineteen (5.9%) of these patients had a history of AR. There was no difference between the patients with and without a history of AR concerning age, gender distribution, type of presentation, ICU referral rate, duration of inpatient floor, and ICU stay (P > 0.05).

We conclude that the prognosis of Covid-19 was similar between patients with and without AR. The incidence of AR was relatively lower among patients with Covid-19.