A throbbing headache, blocked nose, thick discharge and pressure around the eyes are characteristic symptoms of sinusitis. Such problems may also be the first signs of coronavirus infection. Speaking to WP abc Zdrowie, Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński estimates that they may occur in as many as 70 per cent of people with COVID-19.
Prof. Piotr Skarżyński explains that, because of Poland’s geographical location, sinus problems are much more common than in southern Europe and may affect up to 30 per cent of the population. Symptoms most often arise in autumn and winter, when infections become more frequent.
The expert confirms that the first COVID-19 symptoms can be deceptively similar to sinusitis.
‘Among symptomatic patients with COVID-19, 60–70 per cent may have sinus-related symptoms. They can be short-lived and occur only at the start of the illness, but affect the vast majority of patients. This is also why people with COVID-19 in Poland statistically experience smell and taste problems more often than people in the Mediterranean region or near the equator,’ says Prof. Skarżyński.
The Professor recalls that the upper respiratory tract is the main entry point for coronavirus. The first signs of infection are watery nasal discharge and headaches associated with SARS-CoV-2 accumulating in the nasopharynx.
‘When coronavirus enters our body, it can cause symptoms very similar to chronic or acute sinusitis. First, COVID-19 can obstruct the sinus openings, allowing secretions to accumulate. The second mechanism is that the virus enters host cells there, causing swelling,’ explains the otorhinolaryngologist.
Prof. Piotr H. Skarżyński notes that people with sinus problems are at greater risk of developing COVID-19.
‘It is indeed being confirmed that people with sinus problems are more susceptible to infection because their upper respiratory tract is more compromised. Secondly, their airways are often dry, and a dry barrier makes it easier for the virus to enter our body,’ acknowledges Prof. Skarżyński.
There is also good news: so far, patients with chronic sinusitis who have had COVID-19 have not shown a worsening of their sinus disease.
The abc Zdrowie article is part of Wirtualna Polska’s #DbajNiePanikuj campaign.