DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i12.026

Pages: 1924-1928

Introduction: Persistent ENT symptoms following recovery from COVID-19 have emerged as a significant health concern, affecting a substantial proportion of patients. These symptoms, including anosmia, tinnitus, dysgeusia, chronic rhinosinusitis, postnasal drip, vertigo, and hearing loss, can significantly impact the quality of life, daily functioning, and mental well-being. This study explores the patterns and impacts of persistent ENT symptoms in a cohort of 110 post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of ENT, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from October 2020 to October 2021, to assess the prevalence, duration, and impact of persistent ENT symptoms following recovery from COVID-19. A total of 110 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and experienced persistent ENT symptoms were included in the study. Result: The study included 110 patients, with the majority in the 40-49 years age group (29.1%). Anosmia was the most common persistent ENT symptom (55.5%), followed by tinnitus (47.3%) and dysgeusia (43.6%). Severe acute COVID-19 (43.6%) and pre-existing ENT issues (35.5%) were the most prevalent risk factors. Anosmia had the longest mean duration (15.8 weeks), while hearing loss had the shortest (6.5 weeks). Quality of life was significantly impacted, with anosmia affecting nutrition and tinnitus causing anxiety. Corticosteroids (72.1% improvement) were the most effective treatment, followed by olfactory training (65.6%) for anosmia and tinnitus retraining therapy (59.2%) for tinnitus. Conclusion: Persistent ENT symptoms following COVID-19 recovery, particularly anosmia, tinnitus, and dysgeusia, significantly impact patients' quality of life. Middle-aged individuals (30-49 years) were most affected, with severe acute COVID-19 and pre-existing ENT issues as major risk factors. Treatment modalities such as corticosteroids and olfactory training showed promising improvements, especial