Increased incidence of otitis externa in covid-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE

The current study showed the relation between otitis externa and COVID-19 infection and compared otitis externa with other symptoms of COVID-19 as anosmia.

METHODS

257 cases who were confirmed positive for COVID-19, were examined otoscopic and endoscopic for otitis externa, onset of starting symptoms of otitis externa and its relation to days of infection with COVID-19 were documented and the prevalence of otitis externa with anosmia in the study group were estimated.

RESULTS

Increased incidence of otitis externa in COVID-19 patients (18% of study group) and symptoms starting mainly between the 5th to 8th day of COVID-19 infection. Combined otitis externa and anosmia occurred in 13% of study group.

CONCLUSIONS

Otitis externa has a relation to COVID-19 infection. Further research needed to study its pathogenesis and mechanisms.