Otolaryngologic Manifestations in Long COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Due to the upper respiratory nature of COVID- 19 infection, otolaryngologic manifestations of acute disease have become well documented within the literature. However, the long-term sequelae of COVID-19 infection have yet to be completely understood. This study aims to explore ear, nose, and throat complaints of patients who experienced COVID-19 at least 3 months prior and are still symptomatic. Method(s) A retrospective review of previous COVID-19- positive patients who followed up in otolaryngology clinic between March 2020 and January 2022 was performed. Demographics, preexisting comorbidities, date of initial COVID-19 infection, long-haul symptoms, and intubation status were recorded. Result(s) A total 170 patients, 93 male and 77 female, with an average age of 57.2+/-15.0 years (range 23-89) were included in this study. Most of these patients originally contracted COVID-19 from March to May of 2020;therefore, this patient cohort represents a predominately unvaccinated group. Patients followed up in otolaryngology clinic ranging between 3 and 10 months after initial infection. The most common long-haul complaint was dysphonia and dyspnea, followed by voice changes, anosmia and dysgeusia, and reflux. Conclusion(s) This study is the first of its kind to examine long-haul otolaryngologic complaints in previously COVID- 19-positive patients. As millions of people around the world have passed this virus, it is important to identify possible longterm sequelae and encourage specialized follow-up when appropriate. Further studies examining course and management of these symptoms are needed.