Prevalence of aural features in asthmatic patients in Nigeria.

Abstract

Background Whereas it is commonly reported that asthma is closely associated with nasal pathologies (rhinitis, rhinosinusitis), there are no clear-cut aural co-morbidities with asthma. This study was therefore carried out to identify the prevalence of aural features in asthma. Methods It was a prospective study that was carried out at the Chest Clinic and Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck (ENTH & N) Surgery Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, between 1st March 2008 and 28th February 2011. Asthmatic patients who consented to the study had history of aural symptoms taken and signs were elicited. Results 41 patients participated in the study with 15 males and 26 females. The ages ranged from 17 to 83years with a mean age of 48.7 years. Aural itching accounted for 43.18% of symptoms in asthmatic patients. This is attributed to the presence of atopic and accentuated non-atopic 'allergic' aural reactions in asthmatics. Conclusion Bilateral aural itching is the main aural manifestation in asthmatics in this study. It is recommended that this should be treated appropriately. There is the need for a more detailed study of aural manifestations in asthmatics.Keywords: Prevalence, Aural features, Asthmatic patients, Nigeria.