Incidence of Post COVID-19 Rhinosinusitis Among Otorhinolaryngology Patients in New Damietta

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis [CRS] is a common condition encountered in otorhinolaryngological practice. It shares pathophysiological mechanisms with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. However, the incidence of CRS after COVID-19 and the association between the two conditions is not well investigated.The Aim of the work: The current work aimed to assess the incidence of post-COVID-19 rhinosinusitis.  Patients and Methods: Adult patients [18 years or older] attending our otorhinolaryngological department during a 6-months duration, with a newly confirmed CRS were included. All were evaluated on the clinical, laboratory and radiological basis. Those who had COVID-19 infection prior to the development of CRS were recognized. Their demographic and clinical characteristics were collected in a trial to plot a pattern of CRS after COVID-19. The duration between COVID-19 injury and development of CRS was measured and documented.Results: The incidence of CRS after COVID-19 was 34.0%. Their age ranged 18 and 60 years, the mean ± SD was [38.4±9.89 years], with slight increase of the disease among male patients [58.5%]. Smoking was reported among 25 patients [47.2%] and all of them were males. All patients had nasal discharge and nasal obstruction, facial pain and headache. All patients with post-COVID-19 CRS had an abnormality of smell. Hyposmia was the commonest [reported for 67.9%] followed by anosmia [32.1%]. The bilateral infection was reported among 84.9%. The mean duration rhinosinusitis developed after COVID-19 infection ranged between 34 and 60 days and the mean value was 43.17 ± 7.23 days.Conclusion: The incidence of post-COVID-19 chronic rhinosinusitis was 34.0%. The nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, headache and hyposmia were the commonest clinical manifestations. Thus, a high suspicion of CRS should be kept in mind in patients with recent COVID-19.