<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pregnancy is characterized by various endocrinological and physiological changes affecting different organs including ear, nose and throat. Otorhinolaryngological manifestations in pregnant women are mainly due to changes in levels of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. While majority of these conditions are benign and reverse after parturition, some do not. The study was conducted with an objective to find the incidence of various otorhinolaryngological manifestations among pregnant women and to create awareness among the medical professionals to diagnose these conditions.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This is a hospital based cross sectional study of 240 pregnant women who presented to the department of otorhinolaryngology with ENT symptoms. Detailed history, general physical examination and complete ENT examination was done on all subjects.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: 47.9% of the study cases had otological manifestations among which otitis media was the main finding.</p><p>16.7 % of the cases had nasal symptoms among which rhinits was the main condition predominantly observed in the 3<sup>rd</sup> trimester. 19.6% of the cases had oral cavity lesions with stomatitis being the most commonly found cause. 15.8% of the cases had throat complaints, among which gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was the most common cause found during 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> trimester.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Recognition and understanding of pregnancy related ear, nose throat complaints will allow otolaryngologist to reassure and manage these patients, improving their experience of the gestational period.</p>
<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Tuberculosis (TB) of head and neck is a rare form of extrapulmonary TB but still poses a significant clinical and diagnostic challenge. Rare occurrence and unspecific symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis often leads to misdiagnosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the various otolaryngological manifestations of extrapulmonary TB and make otolaryngologist aware of these manifestations.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This prospective study included 40 cases who presented to us at a tertiary hospital with various symptoms of head and neck TB. Detailed history with ear, nose throat examination was carried out on all patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), histopathology and Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining were done to confirm the diagnosis. After confirmation, patients were started on anti-TB therapy and showed good response to the treatment. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The study included 40 cases who presented to us at a tertiary hospital with various symptoms of head and neck tuberculosis. The majority of these cases had cervical lymphadenopathy (55%) followed by deep neck abscess (20%), laryngeal TB (15%), tubercular otitis media (7.5%) and nasal TB (2.5%). Majority of the cases (65%) belonged to lower socio-economic status. 42.5% of cases had family history of pulmonary TB. Six out of 40 subjects had co-existing pulmonary TB.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Otorhinolaryngeal TB can involve any site with unspecific symptoms. The most commonly site involved is cervical lymph node presenting as neck swelling. Variable nature of its manifestations makes it necessary to have high degree of clinical suspicion to make early diagnosis.</p>
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