Prevalence of otorhinolaryngological manifestations of COVID-19 infection during third wave and comparison from seasonal flu and allergic rhinitis in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Ever since the cluster of COVID-19 cases seen in Wuhan, China, the animal-origin virus has created havoc. These changes in clinical manifestations have been tracked in different waves, in different countries, also the virus behaving differently according to race and culture. To assess the prevalence of symptoms of COVID-19 infection during the third wave and compare it with seasonal flu and allergic rhinitis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Bareilly. A close-ended questionnaire was prepared to assess the otorhinolaryngological symptoms of COVID-19, seasonal flu, and allergic rhinitis. ENT findings were further confirmed by a suitable test. Results: A total of 145 tested positive for COVID-19 infection, 121 patients were diagnosed with seasonal flu, and 124 patients were diagnosed as cases of allergic rhinitis. Fever was the most common symptom in seasonal flu (100%) and COVID (93.8%) patients. Rhinorrhea (100%), lacrimation (100%), and sneezing (100%) were common symptoms in the allergic rhinitis group. A Chi-square test with Bonferroni correction showed a significant difference in the prevalence of symptoms in all three groups (P < 0.0001). Vaccination also contributed to less severity of COVID-19 disease. Conclusion: Involvement of otorhinolaryngology is considered a biomarker in all three groups with less frequent pulmonary features. It becomes necessary to correctly differentiate COVID-19 from the other two diseases for the proper treatment of patients.