Managing Long COVID ENT Symptoms: Effective Treatment and Relief Tips

As the world continues to adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals face an unexpected and often frustrating aftermath: Long COVID Syndrome. For a growing number of adults—and even some children—symptoms persist well beyond the initial infection, sometimes lasting for months or longer. Among the most commonly overlooked but bothersome ongoing issues are ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) symptoms. Effectively managing these Long COVID ENT symptoms is vital for improving daily comfort, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

In this blog post, we’ll explore which ENT symptoms are most common in Long COVID, clarify their underlying causes, discuss treatment options, and share practical, at-home tips for relief.

What is Long COVID Syndrome?

Long COVID Syndrome, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), refers to a cluster of symptoms that persist for weeks or even months after the initial infection with SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for COVID-19. These symptoms can affect nearly every organ system. However, symptoms impacting the ear, nose, and throat are particularly significant because they frequently interfere with energy levels, mood, communication, and daily activities.

Why is managing these symptoms so important? Untreated ENT issues can disrupt sleep, hamper communication, and reduce the enjoyment of food and social interactions. One patient shared, “After COVID, I couldn’t smell my morning coffee or taste my meals, which made everyday life feel dull and isolating.” Early, multidisciplinary care may offer the best chance for meaningful improvement and helps restore a better quality of life.

Timely management can prevent these symptoms from diminishing daily living.

Common ENT Symptoms in Long COVID

Many patients report persistent ENT complaints following COVID-19 infection. Below are the most frequently observed symptoms:

1. Breathing Difficulties

• Nasal Congestion & Chronic Stuffiness: Many individuals struggle with a persistently blocked or stuffy nose, making it difficult to breathe naturally through the nose. Imagine feeling like you have a cold that never goes away, which adds to fatigue and frustration.
• Shortness of Breath & Sinus Pressure: Some experience ongoing sinus congestion, facial pressure, or pain that can cause headaches and tiredness, especially when leaning forward or bending down.
• Impact on Sleep & Daily Life: Blocked nasal passages can disrupt restful sleep, leading to daytime drowsiness, mood changes, and decreased productivity.

Persistent nasal issues can significantly reduce sleep quality and daytime energy.

2. Hearing Issues

• Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL): Some studies suggest that approximately 10-15% of Long COVID patients report hearing difficulties months after infection, though ongoing research is needed to better understand prevalence and permanence. A clinician noted, “We’ve seen patients experiencing subtle but persistent hearing changes that affect their social interactions and work.”
• Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds in the ears often emerge or worsen after COVID-19 and can profoundly affect concentration and sleep quality.
• Vertigo & Balance Problems: Issues with dizziness, imbalance, or spinning sensations (vertigo) may arise in some patients, complicating simple activities like walking or driving.

Hearing and balance symptoms can create social and safety challenges.

3. Throat Discomfort and Related Symptoms

• Sore Throat & Persistent Irritation: A continuous sore or scratchy throat may linger beyond other symptoms, sometimes described as a “raw” or “burning” sensation.
• Hoarseness & Vocal Fatigue: Persistent hoarseness or voice ‘tiredness’ can be especially challenging for those who rely heavily on their voice professionally or socially, such as teachers or singers.
• Dry Throat & Globus Sensation: A feeling of dryness or the sensation that “something is stuck” in the throat (known as globus sensation) is frequently reported, making swallowing or speaking uncomfortable.

Throat symptoms may interfere with communication and comfort.

Causes and Mechanisms Behind ENT Symptoms in Long COVID

Long COVID is a complex, multi-organ condition, and the ENT region is no exception. Research suggests several underlying causes:

• Olfactory Nerve and Auditory Pathways: The virus may directly impact the nerves responsible for smell (olfactory nerve) and hearing, sometimes leading to partial or full loss of these senses.
• Inflammation & Immune Response: Prolonged or exaggerated inflammation may cause swelling in the nose, sinuses, throat, and even inner ear structures, contributing to symptoms such as congestion and tinnitus.
• Potential Nerve Damage: SARS-CoV-2 may cause damage to delicate nerve endings, particularly those involved in smell and hearing.
• Objective vs. Self-Reported Symptoms: It’s important to recognize that some patients report symptoms not confirmed by standard diagnostic tests. This underscores the need for careful and comprehensive evaluation, often involving multiple specialties.

New research continues to shed light on these mechanisms. For more detailed scientific perspectives, explore these resources from PubMed and Yale Medicine.

Understanding the underlying causes can guide more effective treatment.

Expert Treatment Options

Medical Evaluations and Diagnostics

If you’re struggling with persistent ENT symptoms related to Long COVID, it’s essential to consult a qualified ENT specialist, such as those at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia. A comprehensive evaluation might include:

• Nasal Endoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine internal nasal and sinus passages for inflammation or anatomical issues.
• Hearing Assessments: Audiometric tests evaluate the type and extent of hearing loss or tinnitus.
• Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRIs may be ordered if symptoms suggest sinus disease, neurological issues, or other complications.
• Screening for Complicating Conditions: Testing for chronic rhinitis, post-nasal drip, or other conditions that might worsen Long COVID symptoms.

Medications and Therapies

Symptom-targeted treatments can significantly help reduce discomfort and aid recovery:

• Intranasal Corticosteroid Sprays: These anti-inflammatory sprays help relieve nasal congestion and may improve smell function in patients with persistent symptoms.
• Supportive Treatments for Tinnitus and Vertigo: While no definitive cure exists for Long COVID-related tinnitus, supportive therapies such as hearing aids, sound therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises can alleviate symptoms.
• Olfactory Training for Smell Loss: Patients are encouraged to practice olfactory training—daily sniffing of specific scents (e.g., rose, eucalyptus, lemon, clove)—which has shown promise in accelerating the return of the sense of smell, particularly when started after two weeks of continuous loss.
• Other Supportive Therapies: Voice exercises, adequate throat hydration, and the use of humidifiers may help ease hoarseness, dry throat, and globus sensation.

Targeted treatments may improve recovery and symptom relief.

For more information, visit Comprehensive Otolaryngology Care and How ENT Doctors Treat Loss of Smell.

Specialist Referrals and Multidisciplinary Care

Managing Long COVID ENT symptoms often requires collaborative care from multiple specialists:

• Audiologists: For persistent hearing loss or tinnitus management.
• Speech and Voice Therapists: To support recovery from hoarseness and vocal fatigue.
• Neurologists: For ongoing dizziness, vertigo, or nerve-related problems.

This team-based approach ensures all aspects of persistent symptoms are addressed, with ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation as needed.

Practical Relief Tips for Managing ENT Symptoms at Home

While expert medical care is essential, several simple home strategies can provide relief and support recovery.

Breathing Exercises

• Nasal Breathing: Practice gentle inhalation through the nose, focusing on slow, deep breaths. This can help decrease congestion and improve airflow.
• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Inhale deeply, expanding your abdomen, then exhale slowly. This not only improves oxygenation but also calms the nervous system, reducing stress that can worsen symptoms.

Home Remedies for Throat and Ear Comfort

• Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam—whether from a bowl of hot water or during a warm shower—can soothe irritated nasal passages and help loosen mucus.
• Saline Nasal Rinses: Over-the-counter saline sprays or rinses gently cleanse nasal passages, reducing inflammation and congestion without the drying effects of medicated sprays.
• Hydration & Throat Lozenges: Drinking warm—but not hot—fluids and using throat lozenges keeps the throat moist and relieves irritation.
• Avoiding Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong scents, and allergens, all of which can exacerbate symptoms.

Discover more helpful home strategies at Managing Sinus Headaches Without Pills.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Improve Symptoms

• Sleep Hygiene: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated helps promote nasal drainage and easier breathing, potentially reducing nighttime symptoms.
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties—such as berries, leafy greens, fatty fish like salmon, and nuts—to support overall immune health.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and gentle exercise can reduce stress-related exacerbations and improve symptom tolerance.

Simple lifestyle changes may complement medical treatments and enhance well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do ENT symptoms of Long COVID typically last?
Most patients see gradual improvement within weeks to months. However, some symptoms—like smell loss or tinnitus—can persist longer and may require specialized therapy.

Can hearing loss from Long COVID be permanent?
While permanent hearing loss is relatively rare, it can occur. Early evaluation and treatment by an ENT specialist improve the chances of recovery.

What are the best ways to support recovery of smell and taste?
Olfactory training is a well-established home-based method for persistent smell loss. Good nasal hygiene and timely expert evaluation are crucial.

When should I seek urgent ENT care?
Immediate medical attention is warranted for sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, or severe throat pain accompanied by difficulty swallowing.

Are there risks in delaying evaluation for persistent ENT symptoms?
Yes. Delaying assessment can result in missed diagnoses or worsening of treatable conditions, hampering long-term recovery.

Conclusion

Managing ENT symptoms associated with Long COVID Syndrome requires a thoughtful combination of expert evaluation, evidence-based treatments, and supportive home care. Early consultation with an experienced ENT team—like the specialists at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia—may provide relief and help you regain comfort in your daily life. Persistent ear, nose, and throat symptoms are treatable, and seeking expert support greatly improves your chances for a full recovery and better quality of life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with lingering ENT symptoms after COVID-19, consider consulting with a qualified ENT specialist. For those in Georgia, Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia offers evaluation and treatment.

Suggested Resources

• Comprehensive Otolaryngology Care
• How ENT Doctors Treat Loss of Smell
• Managing Sinus Headaches Without Pills

References

• Padhye NS, Mungara J, et al. ENT Manifestations in Long COVID. Open COVID Journal, 2023. PMC11511282
• Persistent ENT Symptoms After COVID-19 Infection: A Multidisciplinary Approach. J Clin Med 2023;14(2):506. MDPI
• Yale Medicine. Understanding Long COVID and Smell Loss. Yale Medicine

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.