Impact of ENT complications on COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care center, Coimbatore: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) presents with respiratory tract-related symptoms such as fever, cough, dyspnea, and chest tightness that could progress rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also causes several upper respiratory tract-related symptoms including nasal congestion, sore throat, and smell dysfunction. Incidence of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients was also reported during the second wave along with other otorhinolaryngology-related complications. AIM: This study aimed to determine different otorhinolaryngology-related complications reported in COVID-19 cases in a tertiary care center and estimation of incidence, age, gender distribution, risk factors, treatment, follow-up, and mortality status of the study participants. METHODOLOGY: Patients who recovered from COVID-19 disease and developed complications such as long-lasting anosmia, septal abscess, epistaxis, rhino nasal mucormycosis, and voice changes were selected for the study. After obtaining patient medical records, the recorded history, examination, and investigations done related to incidence, associated risk factors, age, and gender distribution of ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) complications were collected, and this data was analyzed. RESULTS: The present study involved 100 patients between 18 and 65 years of age which included 78% males and 22% females. Of these participants, 92% reported mucormycosis as the most common complication, with diabetes being the risk factor in majority of the participants. During the course of the study, 10% participants had passed away due to complications. CONCLUSION: Early identification of highly sensitive post-COVID-19 ENT complications is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity among vulnerable populations.