Otological and rhinological manifestations in pregnancy: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of East India

Otological and rhinological manifestations in pregnancy: Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of East India: Santosh Kumar Swain, Tapan Pattnaik, Jatindra Nath Mohanty



International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences 2020 9(2):159-163



BACKGROUND: Hormonal variations during pregnancy can lead to otological and rhinological manifestations. Majority of the manifestations have no harm to the expectant mother or fetus but some of them can become pathological. The objective of this study is to study the audiological and rhinological manifestations occurring during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study where 82 pregnant women participated. Otological and rhinological manifestations were assessed by asking a questionnaire and detail clinical examinations of the ear, nose, and paranasal sinuses.

RESULTS: The mean age of the pregnant women participated in this study was 24.62 years. The most common otological manifestation was blockage feeling in the ear, whereas the most common rhinological manifestation was rhinitis. Eustachian tube dysfunction was common in the last trimester of the pregnancy.

CONCLUSION: It is important to have clinical knowledge in all clinicians regarding the manifestation of otological and rhinological manifestations and its treatment with precautions considering effects on mother and fetus during pregnancy.