Pediatric otorhinolaryngology emergencies at the Jos University Teaching Hospital: Study of frequency, management, and outcomes

Abstract

Background:Studies from Nigeria on pediatric otorhinolaryngology (ORL) emergencies are rare in literature with most focusing on emergencies involving individual systems.Objective:The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of all ORL emergencies among children in our region to provide a baseline data for future health planning.Patients and Methods:This is a 1-year retrospective cross-sectional study of patients aged 16 years and below presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.Results:A total of 203 otolaryngology emergencies were attended of which 129 (63.5%) were pediatric emergencies. Records of 87 patients were retrievable with age range 2 months to 15 years (mean 3.44 years; standard deviation ± 3.35). There were 55 males and 32 females with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. The majority of cases were aged under 5 years (64; 73.6%). Acute tonsillitis accounted for 32 (36.7%) cases with 6 (6.9%) having peritonsillar abscesses. Acute pharyngitis accounted for 11 (12.6%) presentations followed closely by foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear with 10 (11.5%) presentations. FB in the throat occurred in 4 (4.6%) patients who had removal under general anesthesia. Three (3.4%) cases of maxillofacial injuries occurred as a result of insurgent terror attacks and 3.4% presented following corrosive substance ingestion. Conservative management was commenced in 76 (87.4%) patients, 23 (26.4%) had surgery with 68 (78.2%) admitted and discharged, 18 (20.7%) treated as outpatients, and 1 (1.1%) died on admission. Otolaryngologists attended most (95.4%) patients.Conclusion:Pediatric ORL emergencies are common in our region involving a wide range of pathologies. Expansion is required in the ORL training of the emergency room physician to enhance emergency services.

Direct and Indirect Costs of Non-surgical Treatment for Acute Tonsillitis in Children in Southeast Nigeria

“…Acute tonsillitis is an extensive inflammation of oropharyngeal lymph nodes, which are situated in the upper respiratory tract [1,2]. Acute tonsillitis in children has become one of the reasons for visits to the healthcare facilities in Nigeria [3,4]. Adoga et al [4] , in their study of otolaryngology emergencies in Nigeria, reported 63.5% were paediatric emergencies, among these emergency cases, 73.6% were children under 5 years of age.…”

“…Acute tonsillitis in children has become one of the reasons for visits to the healthcare facilities in Nigeria [3,4]. Adoga et al [4] , in their study of otolaryngology emergencies in Nigeria, reported 63.5% were paediatric emergencies, among these emergency cases, 73.6% were children under 5 years of age. Nigeria has a teeming population of children below 5 years of age, estimated at 31 million [5], which highlights the burden of acute tonsillitis in Nigeria.…”

Bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract: how to treat?

“…Заболеваемость инфекциями в мире чрезвычайно высока как среди взрослых, так и среди детей. И если состояния с высоким риском смертности (например, бактериальный менингит, бактериальный эндокардит, сепсис, холера) встречаются относительно нечасто, то заболевания верхних дыхательных путей смело можно назвать лидирующими по обращению за медицинской помощью [1].…”

“…Одни вирусы вызывают заболевания преимущественно верхних дыхательных путей, другие -как верхних, так и нижних. Многообразие вирусов и большое количество различных штаммов каждого конкретного вируса обусловливают повторное развитие инфекций, затрагивающих преимущественно детей, особенно в возрасте до 5 лет [1].…”

Trends and patterns in urgent pediatric otolaryngology inter-hospital referrals in Saudi Arabia

“…Pediatric ORL-HNS emergencies are common in Nigeria too, yet many involve different diseases that require surgical intervention. 7 The causes are different for adults. Peripheral vertigo and otitis externa are the most common causes for referrals from the ED to ORL-HNS clinics.…”