Differentiation of COVID-19 signs and symptoms from allergic rhinitis and common cold- An ARIA-EAACI-GA 2 LENconsensus.

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 withthe common cold or allergic rhinitis. An ARIA-EAACI study group attempted to differentiate upper respiratory symptoms betweenthe three diseases. METHODS: A modified Delphi process was used and 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 andallergic rhinitis. RESULTS: Among the 192 ARIA members who were invited to respond to the questionnaire, 89 responded. 87 questionnaires were analysed. The consensus was then reported.A two-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences inthe symptom intensity between the three diseases (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This modified Delphi approach enabled thedifferentiationof upper respiratory symptoms betweenCOVID-19, common cold and allergic rhinitis. An electronic algorithm will be devised using the questionnaire.