Symptoms of the COVID-19 in ENT

Introduction: We are currently facing a global pandemic of great impact due to the rapid spread of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. It is important to highlight that some of the symptoms included in the clinical presentation of the disease involve the ear, nasal cavity and sinuses, and pharynx—areas within the scope of the otolaryngology (ENT) specialist. Objective: To characterize the main otolaryngological symptoms of COVID-19. Method: A literature review was conducted, consulting original articles, case reports, and systematic reviews available in open-access, peer-reviewed academic publications from the last five years. Databases reviewed included ScieELO, Regmed, Dialnet, Mayoclinic, among others. Search terms included COVID-19 symptoms in ENT as well as their English translations. Results: The clinical presentation of COVID-19 is very broad and includes a wide variety of symptoms that overlap with other diseases. Among these, symptoms affecting the ears, nasal cavity and sinuses, and pharynx stand out, which fall within the field of the ENT specialist. Examples include loss of taste, loss of smell, and sore throat. Conclusions: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, consultations related to alterations in smell and taste have increased significantly, often appearing without other accompanying symptoms, thus becoming a form of presentation of the disease. Additionally, we find catarrhal symptoms such as rhinorrhea and sore throat, which—with distinguishable and specific characteristics—could serve as warning signs of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the body.