Otorhinolaryngological manifestations in pregnant women

Abstract

There are several physiological changes in the body of the pregnant women. Otological, rhinological, and laryngological changes are quite often seen in pregnancy. Most of the otorhinolaryngological manifestations during pregnancy are benign and reverse during the postpartum period and few do not. These changes in pregnancy are mainly due to alteration of the sex hormones in the female body which returns to a normal level once the pregnancy period over. There should be clear understanding between the otolaryngologists and obstetrician for improving the quality of life of the pregnant women by avoiding the drugs for controlling otorhinolaryngological symptoms, especially in the first trimester. It is important to have clinical knowledge in all clinicians regarding the manifestation of otorhinolaryngological manifestations and treatment options with precautions considering effects on the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Here, this review article discusses the alteration in body physiology, clinical manifestations, and current treatment practice of the ear, nose, and throat manifestations during pregnancy. Electronic search of the SCOPUS, Medline, and PubMed databases was done. The search items in the database included pregnancy, otorhinolaryngological manifestations, gravidarum, gestational epistaxis, gestational rhinitis, hearing loss, and vestibular manifestations in pregnancy. All literature was searched for and reviewed by two authors independently. Search results were then cross-examined, and any differences were settled by consensus.