Profile of Ear Nose Throat and Head Neck Inpatient Care Undergoing Shortwave Diathermy in a Tertiary Care Centre of Punjab -A 3.5 Year Study

Background: Short wave diathermy acts as magic potion in many Otorhinolaryngology and head neckpathologies where either conservative therapeutic modality or surgical intervention has been undertaken.The profile of subjects who underwent short wave diathermy in a 3.5 year period is included.Materials and Methods: 101 subjects undergoing short wave diathermy in the Otorhinolaryngology andPhysiotherapy services of a tertiary care centre of Punjab were analyzed during a period of 3.5 years. Thesubjects were analyzed for their demographic profile ,gender profile and seasonal variation over 3.5 years .Results: Maximum patients 55.44%(56 patients) underwent shortwave diathermy were in the middleage group (21-60 years). Males 52.47% (53 patients) outnumbered the females 47.52% (48 patients) whounderwent shortwave diathermy.In the age group 21-60 years, there were maximum females 57.14%(32patients) where the male patients were comparatively less i.e. 42.85% (24 patients). Most significantdifference was seen in above 60 age group where males 73.91%(17patients) outnumbered females 26.08%(6patients).Conclusion: Short wave diathermy is an effective pain therapy for inflammations of ear,nasal cavity andmaxillofacial region , it reduces the dose and duration of adjuvant oral analgesics.