Ear, nose and throat changes observed during three trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

Aim: To evaulate frequencies and distribution of ear, nose, throat symptoms during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 40 pregnant women and 40 non-pregnant women who applied clinics of Otorhinolaringology and Obstetrics. Pregnant women were evaluated each trimester and after birth. Results:Results in pregnant group were as follows: Sensation of blockage in ears(15% in first trimester , 25% in second trimester, 30% in third trimester and 17.5% after birth), hearing loss(2.5% , only 1 patient in third trimester), facial paralysis(2.5% , only 1 patient in third trimester), stuffiness(7.5% in first trimester , 15% in second trimester, 20% in third trimester and 5% after birth), olfactive sensitivity (5% in first trimester , 30% in second trimester, 33% in third trimester and 10% after birth), gum bleeding(25% in first trimester , 30% in second trimester, 33% in third trimester and 5% after birth),epulis(2.5% , only 1 patient in second trimester), change in taste(37.5% in first trimester , 20% in second trimester, 17.5% in third trimester and 2.5% after birth), hoarseness(12.5% in first trimester , 17.5% in second trimester, 22.5% in third trimester and 5% after birth), dysphagia(20% in first trimester , 40% in second trimester, 45% in third trimester and 2.5% after birth), regurgitation(25% in first trimester , 37.5% in second trimester, 50% in third trimester and 2.5% after birth), facial pigmentation(10% in first trimester , 11.25% in second trimester, 30% in third trimester and 30% after birth). In control group, symptoms were sensation of blockage in ears(12.5%), stuffiness(5%), olfactive sensitivity (5%), gum bleeding(5%), change in taste(2.5%), hoarseness(5%), dysphagia(2.5%), regurgitation(7.5%), facial pigmentation (7.5%). There were no hearing loss , facial paralysis and epulis in control group. Conclusion: Pregnancy changes ear, nose, throat symptoms and these symptoms may differ according to trimesters. While incidince of symptoms increased as pregnancy progresses, incidince of symptoms decreased after birth.