Hospital-Based Analysis of ENT Diseases Among Children in Sargodha

Abstract

Background: Children account for a large segment of the Pakistani population. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) diseases can significantly hinder their developmental milestones, impacting physical growth, cognitive abilities, and social well-being.

Objective: To determine the frequency and distribution of common ENT diseases among children in Sargodha.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Rai Medical College Teaching Hospital, Sargodha using data from June 2021 to May 2024. The data of the patients, aged 06 months to 15 years, who presented with ear, nose or throat problem, were included in the study. The missing data, history of any devastating illnesses were excluded. Age, gender, residential area, joint or nuclear family system, parents’ education were important sociodemographic factors of interest. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 23.0 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results: Out of 2580 children, male were predominant (58.5%) and the mean age was 4.92±3.84 years. Majority of them were living in rural areas (41.4%) and in joint families (79%). A large proportion was exposed to passive smoking (66.3%) and their mothers lacked formal education (65.5%). The commonly seen ENT disorders were throat diseases (48.6%), followed by ear diseases (29.4%) and nasal diseases (22%).

Conclusion: There is a significant burden of ENT diseases among children in Sargodha, with throat diseases being the most prevalent, followed by ear and nasal diseases, and noteworthy sociodemographic factors influencing disease patterns.