Differentiation of COVID-19 signs and symptoms from allergic rhinitis and common cold: An ARIA-EAACI-GA2LEN consensus

Hagemann J., Onorato G. L., Jutel M., Akdis C. A., Agache I., Zuberbier T., ...More

Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, vol.76, no.8, pp.2354-2366, 2021 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 76 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/all.14815
  • Journal Name: Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.2354-2366
  • Keywords: allergic rhinitis, common cold, cough, COVID-19, smell
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Although there are many asymptomatic patients, one of the problems of COVID-19 is early recognition of the disease. COVID-19 symptoms are polymorphic and may include upper respiratory symptoms. However, COVID-19 symptoms may be mistaken with the common cold or allergic rhinitis. An ARIA-EAACI study group attempted to differentiate upper respiratory symptoms between the three diseases. Methods: A modified Delphi process was used. The ARIA members who were seeing COVID-19 patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire on the upper airway symptoms of COVID-19, common cold and allergic rhinitis. Results: Among the 192 ARIA members who were invited to respond to the questionnaire, 89 responded and 87 questionnaires were analysed. The consensus was then reported. A two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in the symptom intensity between the three diseases (p <.001). Conclusions: This modified Delphi approach enabled the differentiation of upper respiratory symptoms between COVID-19, the common cold and allergic rhinitis. An electronic algorithm will be devised using the questionnaire.