SPECTRUM OF OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICAL PROBLEMS AMONG PAEDIATRIC AGE GROUP AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL OF NEPAL

Abstract

Background: Otorhinolaryngological problems are very common among children. The pattern of ENT disorders varies from community to hospital depending upon the demographic, socioeconomic and health facilities available in that particular region.  The objective of the study was to evaluate and determine the hospital based prevalence of disorders of Ear, Nose and Throat among children. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in department of KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital during the period of 1 year from 15th June 2021 to 15th June 2022. 320 patients attending the ENT outpatients during the study period were enrolled in the study. Informed consent was taken from patient and attendant. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history and clinical examination. Results were expressed in numbers and percentage. Results: Among the 320 (3.66%) respondents (58.7%) were Males and (42.2%) were Females. Most of the children belonged to age group 0-5 years (56.25%), were living in Nuclear family (73.4%), belong to Middle upper middle class of family (43.1%). The most common ENT disorders were ear wax (32.5%) among otological disorders, pharyngitis (6.9%) among throat disorders and rhinitis (6.6%) among nasal disorders. Conclusions: The study revealed ear wax, pharyngitis and rhinitis were the most common ENT related disorders in our area. We can improve the rate of prevalence of ENT disorders by firstly raising awareness among people and then taking further steps to improve education and health system.