CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RHINITIS IN PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 has caused long-term pathological changes not only in the lower respiratory tract but also in the upper airways, particularly the nasal mucosa. Rhinitis is frequently observed in patients after recovery from COVID-19 and may persist as part of post-viral complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations and morphological characteristics of rhinitis in patients with a previous history of COVID-19.

The study included patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and subsequently developed persistent nasal symptoms such as nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, dryness, burning sensation, and olfactory dysfunction. Clinical examination included anterior rhinoscopy, nasal endoscopy, and symptom assessment. Morphological evaluation was performed using histological examination of nasal mucosal biopsy samples.

The results demonstrated epithelial desquamation, goblet cell hyperplasia, vascular congestion, subepithelial edema, and lymphocytic infiltration in the nasal mucosa. In several cases, microcirculatory disturbances and focal fibrotic changes were identified. Clinically, prolonged nasal obstruction and decreased smell sensitivity were the most common complaints.

These findings indicate that post-COVID rhinitis is associated with persistent inflammatory and structural remodeling of the nasal mucosa. Recognition of these clinical and morphological changes is important for improving diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prevention of chronic upper airway pathology in post-COVID