Inner ear, nose and pharynx - signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 infection

Abstract

Introduction. The most common clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 include cough, high body temperature, malaise, weakness, headache, and diarrhea. When the pandemic slowed down, more and more patients reported symptoms atypical for the infection, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The aim of this study was to assess current knowledge and data on the existence and prevalence of otorhinolaryngology sings and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019. Material and Methods. The literature was reviewed from May to December 2022 and included articles published in 2020 or later. The main criterion was confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection by means of the polymerase chain reaction test. Results. Sensorineural hearing loss presents as acute, chronic and subclinical. Tinnitus is associated with direct viral invasion and social factors. Vertigo is also associated with direct viral invasion and prolonged bed rest. Olfactory and gustatory disorders are known symptoms of viral infections. Olfactory dysfunction occurs as a consequence of the existence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors in the nasal mucosa, which is the primary site for viral binding, and which explains the absence of nasal congestion. It has been shown that the pediatric population presents with different clinical symptoms of the infection. In children, rhinorrhea and pharyngitis are the most common symptoms, while in adults they are generally absent. Conclusion. The available literature data showed that otorhinolaryngology symptomatology of coronavirus disease 2019 is present, but the data are still very limited. The literature showed vast discrepancies in the prevalence and risk factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019. It is imperative that more research is done on the topic now that the pandemic is subsiding, and more attention should be paid to non-life-threatening symptoms.