Deviated nasal septum and nasal polyps in COVID-19 patients: A case control study in DHQ Teaching Hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To correlate the prevalence of COVID-19 and the rhinopathological conditions simultaneously in the population visiting the hospital of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Study Design: Case-control study. Setting: District Head Quarter (DHQ) Teaching Hospital Located in Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Period: September 2020 to February 2021. Material & Methods: Patients visiting the DHQ teaching hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir for their COVID-19 related symptoms were included in the study. Demographic data was obtained. Prevalence of DNS and nasal polyps was recorded for further statistical analysis of the symptoms in the population. The obtained patient data was evaluated for the rhinopathological conditions that exists with the prevailing COVID-19 or may even aggravate the situation. Although nasal polyps and DNS are not among the typical symptoms of the COVID-19 but they may add to the results of PCR testing following swab testing. Conclusion: Despite being a significant relationship, there lies a chance of misleading results of swab testing as these rhinopathies obstruct the airway hindering the path. Therefore, while carrying out a confirmation test for the infection it is important to consider the chances of rhinopathies in patients beforehand.