Involvement of the Phonatory Functions in Atypical Covid-19 Pneumonia

Abstract

Background: To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the voice as many studies reported voice changes in patients with COVID-19. Objective: This study aimed to sight the involvement of phonatory function in atypical COVID-19 pneumonia. Rather than, enriching our knowledge and medical skills when dealing with that disease in our field. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on one hundred and thirty-five subjects that had COVID-19. The recruited subjects were asked to complete a collective data, scientifically designed questionnaire involving analytical questions about demographic data, COVID-19 general symptoms, comorbidities, otolaryngological symptoms, and dysphonia symptoms. The prevalence of dysphonia, as part of the COVID-19 symptoms, was assessed. The onset, character, and duration were compared between dysphonic and non-dysphonic COVID-19 patients. Results: A high prevalence (57%) of self-evaluated dysphonia among COVID-19 patients. The current study found no correlation between gender with dysphonia while there is a significant correlation with age. A significant correlation between dysphonia with cough and otolaryngological symptoms was detected. A positive correlation with ventilatory support with or without intubation. Laryngoscopic examination showed that the most affected site was the glottic area by 83.3% where congestion of the vocal fold was the most common abnormality. Conclusion: Dysphonia may be found in about half of individuals infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and should be considered as a symptom list of the infection.