The importance of early detection of ENT symptoms in mild-to-moderate COVID-19
Giacomo Spinato, Giulio Costantini, Cristoforo Fabbris, Anna Menegaldo, Francesca Mularoni, Piergiorgio Gaudioso, Monica Mantovani, Daniele Borsetto, Ananth Vijendren, Maria Cristina Da Mosto, Paolo Boscolo‐Rizzo
Abstract
Objectives. Patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute res- piratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may present with a wide range of symp- toms. In this paper, a detailed characterisation of mild-to-moderate ear, nose nd throat (ENT) symptoms is presented with the aim of recognising the disease early to help reduce further spread and progression.Methods. A total of 230 cases testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 134 negative controls were recruited for a case-control analysis. Symptoms were analysed using the Acute Respiratory Tract Infections Questionnaire, while other symptoms were investigated by ad hoc questions. Results. Among the study samples (n = 364), 149 were males and 215 were females with age ranging from 20 to 89 years (mean 52.3). Four main groups of symptoms were ob- tained: influenza-like symptoms, ENT-symptoms, breathing issues and asthenia-related symptoms, representing 72%, 69%, 64% and 53% of overall referred clinical manifesta- tions, respectively. ENT symptoms, breathing issues and influenza-like symptoms were as- sociated with positivity to SARS-CoV-2, whereas asthenia-related symptoms did not show a significant association with SARS-CoV-2 infection after controlling for other symptoms, comorbidities and demographic characteristics.Conclusions. ENT symptoms are equally represented with influenza-like ones as present- ing symptoms of COVID-19. Patients with ENT symptoms should be investigated for early identification and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 spread.