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

Abstract

Objective: The following study aimed to correlate the prevalence of COVID-19 and the rhino pathological conditions simultaneously in the population visiting the hospital of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Study Design: Case Control Study. Setting: DHQ Teaching Hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Period: April to July 2020. 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 was recorded for further statistical analysis of the symptoms in the population. Results: The results demonstrated that these rhino pathological conditions exists with the prevailing COVID-19 or may even aggravate the situation. Although DNS is not among the typical symptoms of the COVID-19 but it may add to the results of PCR testing following swab testing. Conclusion: Rhino pathological conditions may alter or obstruct the airway passages hence making the test for COVID-19 by swab difficult and unapproachable.