Volume 9 Issue 5 (September- October, 2023)

Original Articles

An Analytical Cross-Sectional Investigation into Oral Manifestations Associated with COVID-19 Infection
Ashna Dhingra

Introduction- The current COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge impact across the globe. Recent literature has reported the occurrence of varied oral lesions in COVID-19 patients in the form of sporadic case reports. This analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to gauge and understand the pattern of oral lesions in qualitative RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods- This observational cross-sectional study enrolled all individuals aged 18 and above who received treatment for COVID-19. A meticulous oral examination was conducted using sterilized mouth mirrors and probes, following stringent aseptic precautions. . Exclusions comprised the paediatric population and individuals with systemic conditions affecting the oral mucosa. Results- The present cross-sectional study included a total of 600 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients, comprising 450 males and 150 females. - The mean age of the patients was 52 years. Among the participants, 120 were asymptomatic, 175 exhibited symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), and 105 presented symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection. Conclusion- Patients with severe COVID-19, particularly those with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), exhibit a higher likelihood of experiencing oral health issues. This increased probability may stem from the direct impact of the disease, the body's immune response, and a potential decrease in motivation for personal hygiene measures among individuals with more severe cases. Keywords- Covid-19, pandemic, severe acute respiratory disease

 
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