ABSTRACT
Background: Post-viral anosmia is responsible for more than 40% of cases of anosmia. Anosmia has been a neglected symptom in the primary healthcare setting until the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection highlighted new atypical symptoms of the disease, including anosmia, which has become one of the diagnostic symptoms of the disease, and epidemiological concern. We aimed to detect the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection within patients presented with anosmia and to test for other respiratory viruses in the negative COVID-19 patients. We also detected the recovery of anosmia and IgM/IgG against COVID-19. We prospectively included 60 outpatients with the major complaint of anosmia. Nasopharyngeal swabs were done for SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR, and if negative, PCR to other respiratory pathogens was tested. After one month, we inquired about the recovery of smell loss together with testing for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Result(s): Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-six patients (76.7%) were SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and 14 (23.3%) were negative. Rhinovirus was the commonest isolated pathogen in the negative cases (5/14). Complete recovery of anosmia occurred in 34 patients (56.7%), while partial recovery in 24 (40.0%), and no recovery in 2 patients (3.3%). The median time to complete recovery was 10 days. 28.3% (13/46) of the patients showed negative antibody response for both IgG and IgM. Conclusion(s): Sudden-onset anosmia is a symptom that is highly predictive of being COVID-19-infected. While recovery is expected within 2 weeks, some patients have no antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the incidence and natural course of otorhinolaryngological symptoms of COVID-19 infection and its relations to each other and patient's demographics. Method(s): This is a prospective study conducted on symptomatic adult patients proven to be infected with COVID-19. Detailed history was taken from each patient including onset of symptoms. Symptoms were followed up tightly. We focus on otorhinolaryngological (ORL) symptoms and their duration and onset in relation to other symptoms. Data were collected and analyzed in detail. Result(s): Six-hundred eighty-six patients were included in the study, their age ranged from 19-75 years old, and of them 55.1% were males. Cough was found in 53.1% of cases followed by sore throat in 45.8%, anosmia/ hyposmia in 42.3%, headache in 42%, rhinorrhea in 19.5%, dry mouth in 7.6%, globus in 6.1%, epistaxis in 4.4%, and hearing loss in 0.6%. In non-ORL symptoms, fever was found in 54.2%, malaise in 55.1%, dyspnea in 49.3%, and diarrhea in 27.2%. The first symptom was anosmia in 15.7% of cases, sore throat in 6.1 %, cough in 7.9%, and headache in 13.4% of cases. Fever was the first symptom in 22.7%, malaise in 25.1%, and diarrhea in 6.4%. Headache occurred for 5.5 +/- 2 days, anosmia/hyposmia 3 to > 30 days, sore throat 4.1 +/- 1.2 days, rhinorrhea 4.3 +/- 1.1, cough 7.4 +/- 2.5 days, fever 4.7 +/- 2 days, and malaise 6.5 +/- 2.4 days. The cluster of COVID-19-related symptoms showed nine principal components. Conclusion(s): Otorhinolaryngological symptoms are main symptoms in COVID-19 infection, and they should be frequently evaluated to detect suspected cases especially in pauci-symptomatic patients and to properly manage infected patients.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).
ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients is highly variable between different studies, ranging from 5.6% in the Asian population to 86% in the European population. The study aimed to detect the prevalence and the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in an Egyptian tertiary care center. A total of 579 hospitalized patients were enrolled. Demographic data as well as upper respiratory tract symptoms including olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and other risk factors were documented. Then the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions after 6 months was followed up. Results: 50.6% had olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions (24.2% had a total smell and taste loss). A logistic regression analysis revealed a statistical significance between olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and female gender and presence. Most patients (88.4%) reported partial or complete recovery during the 6 months (28.0% and 60.4%, respectively), while 11.6% of patients did not recover. The median time to start recovery was 3 days, and the median time to the best recovery was 22 days. Conclusions: Olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions should be recognized for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Most recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection starts within 3 days and reaches the best recovery within 19 to 24 days. Female gender and the presence of general symptoms are associated with olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in the hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
ABSTRACT
Background: The most common manifestations of infection with COVID-19 are fever, sore throat, dry cough, headache, and body aches. The available evidence for successful and safe pharmacological therapy against COVID-19 has not yet been identified, and the possible evidence relates to many adverse reactions. Taste disorders, petechiae, desquamative gingivitis, unspecific oral ulcerations, xerostomia, and candidiasis are the oral manifestations related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main body of the : We reviewed the literature regarding the reported oral mucosal lesions in cases with confirmed COVID-19 infection together with presenting five cases with oral mucosal lesions associated with COVID-19 infection. Direct causal association between COVID-19 infection and oral mucosal lesions is still vague, hence further research is required. Conclusion: Oral examination is mandatory in cases with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.