Ear, Nose & Throat Problems among Pregnant Women of Bangladesh-A Study of 140 cases

Introduction: Pregnancy is a special period of altered physiological & psychological condition of woman which is mainly due to the secretion of hormones from placenta like estrogen, progesterone, HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin), Human Placental Lactogen, Somatomammotropin, Human Chorionic Thyrotrophin & Human Chorionic Corticotrophin etc. In this changed internal milieu a special set of diseases (problems) occur in pregnant women. This study aimed to find out the ear, nose & throat problems among pregnant women of Bangladesh. Methods: A Cross- sectional study to find out the common ENT problems that face our pregnant ladies of various age and different part of pregnancy which was observed both at the tertiary level hospitals in Dhaka city & rural consultation center at Chandpur district. Results: This study included 140 pregnant ladies of 16 to 45 years of ages of whom mostly 61(43.57%) presented with ear (otological) problems followed by nasal (rhinological) problem 40(28.57%) then throat 29(20.71%) & neck disorders 10(7.14%). Among all these diseases otomycosis scores the highest comprising 29(20.7%), followed by lumpy feeling in throat 26(18.5%) followed by nasal blockage including deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, hypertrophied turbinates 25(17.8%) , CSOM 16( 11.4%) & altered smell sensation10(7.1%). Of them mostly 94(67.14%) in the age group of 21-30 years, followed by 31-40 years of age group 25(17.85%), then age group up to 20 years actually (16-20years) which comprises 19(13.57%) and least patients in the age group of above 41 years this group comprises only 2(1.42%) patients. Most of the presenting patients were multiparous 86 (61.4%) & 54 (28.6%) were primi. Among all presenting women mostly presented in 1st (40.7%) & 2nd (40%) trimester and the rest in 3rd trimester. Conclusion: Pregnancy is a special physiological condition where a unique group of ENT problems occurred during this period. Although some of them are self-reverting ..