Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems in Pediatric Age Group Presenting to the Emergency Clinic – Prevalence and Management: A Hospital-Based Study.

ABSTRACT

ENT-related diseases form a significant portion of ailments in pediatric age group. Many of them present in emergency clinics with acute symptoms requiring urgent management. A prospective study was carried out in the Department of ENT, Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam, in patients below 16 years of age, to determine the hospital prevalence of ENT emergencies in pediatric age group and their management protocol as followed in a tertiary center. Emergencies relating to ear were most common followed by nasal and pharyngoesophageal conditions. Foreign bodies were most common among aural and nasal emergencies. A considerable number of patients presented with faciomaxillary and orodental injuries. Although mortality is low in such emergency group, morbidity may be very high at times. In management of such emergencies, particularly where operative intervention is required, expertise of an ENT specialist is necessary.