COVID-19 findings revealed via otolaryngological examination: Findings of a Japan Otorhinolaryngologist Association questionnaire.
Auris Nasus Larynx
; 48(6): 1176-1180, 2021 Dec.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1281384
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
In Japan, many otolaryngologists provide primary care for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of otorhinolaryngological findings in order to improve COVID-19 diagnostic systems in a primary care setting.METHODS:
A total of 351 patients (mean age, 36.0 ± 15.4 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 by otolaryngologists who belong to the Japan Otorhinolaryngologists Association were included in the study. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the timing of positive identification of COVID-19, the route of infection, symptoms, and findings in the tonsils, nasal cavity, pharynx, ear, and neck. A modified Centor score was calculated for cases in which age, symptoms, and tonsil and neck findings were described.RESULTS:
Symptoms included fever (56%), olfactory disturbance (46%), and a sore throat (56%). Of the individuals considered, 63% had ordinary rhinoscopic findings, 21% experienced watery rhinorrhea, and 12% had observable mucosal redness. Further, 87% had ordinary tonsillar findings, 13% displayed tonsillar redness, with enlargement and white mucus observe in 2% and 1% of participants, respectively. A total of 193 patients had a calculated Centor score of 3 points in 2%, and scores of the remaining participants were ≤2 points.CONCLUSION:
Of all patients considered, 40% had nasal findings and 4% had purulent nasal discharge. In contrast, only 13% of the patients had tonsillar findings, and no patients had Centor scores ≥4 points. Symptom differentiation from that of bacterial infections is difficult. In areas where COVID-19 is prevalent, the disease should be considered in patients presenting with fever, olfactory disturbances, and sore throat with minimal or no clinical findings in the nasal cavity and pharynx.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases
/
Symptom Assessment
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Auris Nasus Larynx
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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