Sneezing Symptoms in COVID Explained
When thinking about COVID-19, symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath often come to mind. However, this virus can present a wide range of symptoms, which may vary in severity from person to person.
In addition to common respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 can cause neurological effects, including headaches, loss of smell or taste, dizziness, and vertigo. Sneezing and post-nasal drip, a condition where mucus accumulates in the throat, have also been reported in some cases.
This article explores dizziness, vertigo, sneezing, and post-nasal drip as symptoms of COVID-19, their causes, and how to manage them effectively.
Dizziness and Vertigo: Are They Symptoms of COVID-19?
Before discussing their link to COVID-19, let’s differentiate between dizziness and vertigo.
- Dizziness: A feeling of being off-balance or unsteady, which may cause difficulty walking or maintaining equilibrium.
- Vertigo: A sensation of movement or spinning, making it feel like either you or your surroundings are in motion.
Dizziness and vertigo can have various causes, including issues with the inner ear, which is essential for balance. Viral infections, including COVID-19, may affect the inner ear, leading to conditions like vestibular neuritis—an inflammation of the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Reports from 2020 and 2021 have documented cases of vestibular neuritis occurring during or after a COVID-19 infection.
How COVID-19 May Cause Dizziness or Vertigo
Though research is still ongoing, several theories explain why COVID-19 may trigger dizziness and vertigo:
- Inflammatory response: The virus-induced inflammation can impact the nervous system, leading to balance issues.
- Direct viral invasion: COVID-19 may infect nerve tissues directly, disrupting their function.
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia): Reduced oxygen levels in the blood can impair brain function, resulting in dizziness.
- Blood clotting issues: Increased clotting risk from COVID-19 may affect blood flow to the brain, leading to dizziness or vertigo.
How Common Are These Symptoms?
Studies have investigated the prevalence of dizziness and vertigo in COVID-19 patients:
- A 2020 study found that 16.8% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients experienced dizziness.
- A separate study reported that 18.4% of 185 surveyed COVID-19 patients experienced dizziness or vertigo.
- A review of 14 studies found dizziness rates ranging between 4% and 30% among COVID-19 patients.
Dizziness and vertigo are often early symptoms of COVID-19, with some reports identifying them as the first signs of infection, even before fever or cough.
Sneezing: A Growing COVID-19 Symptom
Initially, sneezing was not considered a primary symptom of COVID-19. However, with newer variants, including Omicron, sneezing has become more common among infected individuals, particularly those who are vaccinated. Studies have shown that up to 70% of people with Omicron reported sneezing as a symptom.
Sneezing can be a mild symptom of COVID-19 or an early indicator of infection. It is important to distinguish COVID-19-related sneezing from other conditions like the common cold, flu, or allergies:
- Cold: Sneezing, congestion, and sore throat, but generally milder symptoms.
- Flu: High fever, body aches, and fatigue, typically more severe than COVID-19.
- Allergies: Sneezing with itchy eyes and nasal congestion, but no fever or body aches.
Because symptoms can overlap, testing remains the best way to confirm whether sneezing is due to COVID-19.
Post-Nasal Drip and COVID-19
Post-nasal drip occurs when excessive mucus drains down the throat, often causing a sore throat, cough, or throat irritation. While commonly associated with allergies or sinus infections, post-nasal drip has been reported as a symptom of COVID-19, particularly in those with lingering respiratory issues.
Long-Haul COVID-19 and Persistent Symptoms
While many recover within weeks, some individuals experience long-haul COVID-19, where symptoms persist for months. Studies estimate that 10-35% of COVID-19 patients develop long-haul symptoms, which may include:
- Chronic dizziness or vertigo
- Extreme fatigue
- Brain fog (memory and concentration issues)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain and palpitations
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Insomnia
- Low-grade fever
- Digestive issues (diarrhea or constipation)
The exact cause of long-haul COVID-19 remains unclear, and research is ongoing.
Managing Dizziness, Vertigo, Sneezing, and Post-Nasal Drip
Whether caused by COVID-19 or other factors, here are ways to ease symptoms:
- For Dizziness and Vertigo:
- Sit or lie down until the sensation passes.
- Move slowly and avoid sudden head movements.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration-related dizziness.
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until symptoms subside.
- Use a walking aid if needed for stability.
- For Sneezing:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing.
- If no tissue is available, sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.
- Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands afterward.
- Wear a mask in public to reduce the spread of germs.
- For Post-Nasal Drip:
- Stay hydrated to thin mucus secretions.
- Use saline nasal sprays to clear nasal passages.
- Gargle with salt water to soothe throat irritation.
- Consider antihistamines or decongestants if allergies contribute to symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Dizziness, vertigo, sneezing, and post-nasal drip are potential symptoms of COVID-19. Studies indicate that dizziness and vertigo often occur early in the illness, while sneezing has become more common with newer variants. Post-nasal drip may accompany lingering respiratory effects.
If you experience dizziness, vertigo, sneezing, or post-nasal drip alongside COVID-19 symptoms like fever, fatigue, or loss of taste and smell, consider getting tested and seeking medical advice. Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions can help manage symptoms effectively.person. Test at least 24 to 48 hours before the event or visit.
