Otolaryngologic Symptom Severity Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been associated with various post-infection sequelae.
• Laryngologic symptoms, affecting the voice box and related structures, are increasingly recognized as potential long-term complications of COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and severity of laryngologic symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To determine if the severity of these symptoms correlates with the overall severity of the COVID-19 disease, as defined by hospitalization status.

Main Methods:

• A single-institution survey study was conducted involving participants with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 and February 2021.
• Data collected included demographics, infection severity, comorbidities, and current upper aerodigestive symptoms using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Disease severity was categorized by hospitalization status.

Main Results:

• Out of 5300 individuals surveyed, 470 participants with COVID-19 were included (352 hospitalized, 118 not).
• Hospitalized patients reported significantly worse dysphonia, dyspnea, cough, and dysphagia, with these symptoms persisting over time. Cough severity paradoxically worsened in hospitalized patients.
• Dyspnea scores remained elevated even 12 months post-infection in hospitalized respondents.

Conclusions:

• Laryngologic symptoms are generally more severe in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
• Persistent or worsening dyspnea and cough are expected in hospitalized individuals up to one year after infection.
• Non-hospitalized participants typically experience minimal residual laryngologic symptoms one year post-infection.