SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and other possible causes of olfactory disorders in COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease (AIRD) caused by infection with the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first cases were diagnosed and reported in Wuhan, central China, in November 2019. The disease initially occurred locally. However, the number of infected individuals increased dynamically and spread worldwide. The most common symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection include malaise, fever, dry cough and dyspnoea. Over time, reports of new COVID-19 symptoms included taste and smell disorders. A potential cause of these disorders is related to neurotropism, i.e. the affinity of SARS-CoV-2 to the nervous system. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is essential in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The receptor is found in many tissues and organs, including the olfactory epithelium, neurons and neuroglial cells. Another potential cause is neuroinvasiveness, i.e. the ability of the virus to invade the central nervous system, and thereby damage its structures. As a result, olfactory disorders may occur. Other concepts, such as the inflammatory response of the body and the concept of stroke or damage to olfactory supporting cells, are also considered.

Assessment of life quality and health perception among recovered COVID-19 patients: multivariate analysis - own material and a review of previous reports on life quality assessment among convalescents.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing acute respiratory disease, is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020. In addition to symptoms typical of respiratory tract infections, the virus causes a number of non-specific, often long-lasting effects that hinder the daily functioning of individuals. The aim of the study was a subjective assessment of life quality and health perception among recovered COVID-19 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 337 subjects who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by a positive RT-PCR test. The study participants were of legal age. The convalescents completed a questionnaire that contained 26 questions about gender, height, body weight, blood type, general and specific symptoms, comorbidities, hospital stay and duration of specific symptoms, the severity of which was assessed on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The subjects determined whether the COVID-19 infection influenced their health perception and life quality. RESULTS: According to 46% of the respondents, COVID-19 had an impact on their quality of life and health. The chance for patients to notice the negative effects of COVID-19 on their current health status and life quality increased with each subsequent symptom of the disease by 49%, with each day of its occurrence by 3%, and with each VAS point of the severity of all infection symptoms by 30%. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that COVID-19 disease affects life quality and overall health perception after recovery. Significant impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life should be a signal to create mental support and rehabilitation programs for convalescents to minimize discomfort and shorten the duration of absenteeism from work. Med Pr. 2022;73(6):449-56.

Frequency and Severity of Ear–Nose–Throat (ENT) Symptoms during COVID-19 Infection

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease entity caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The main symptoms of infection at the onset of the pandemic include dyspnea, cough and high fever. Ear–nose–throat (ENT) symptoms are among the ones presented by patients in the course of infection. The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of ENT symptoms and to assess their severity and duration in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 337 patients who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, as confirmed by a PCR test. The study participants were >18 years old;the mean age was 43.98 years ± 13.47 SD. The convalescents completed a questionnaire that contained 26 questions, including 9 detailed questions related to ENT symptoms, such as sore throat, vertigo, dizziness, hearing disorders, olfactory disorders, taste disturbance, headache, cough and dyspnea. The severity of symptoms was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: The most reported ENT symptoms were olfactory disorders, which occurred in 72% of patients. The second most frequent symptom was taste disturbance (68%), VAS = 6.79 ± 3.01. Vertigo and dizziness were reported by 34% of respondents (VAS = 4.01 ± 2.01). Tinnitus was observed in 15% of patients, VAS = 3.87 ± 1.98;14% of the subjects reported hearing impairment (VAS = 3.81 ± 2.37). Conclusions: Symptoms related to the sense of smell, taste and hearing are some of the most common symptoms in the course of COVID-19, which is important in the therapeutic and epidemiological management of patients. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, especially those related to the hearing organ, may result in greater permanent damage.