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Why do geriatric patients visit otorhinolaryngology?
Gül Soylu Özler1, Erhan Yengil
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey. soylugul@yahoo.com.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|June 16, 2016
Summary
Geriatric patients represent a growing demographic in otolaryngology (ENT) clinics. Common issues include ear and hearing disorders, epistaxis, and balance problems, requiring specialized care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Global life expectancy is increasing, leading to a larger geriatric population.
- This demographic shift necessitates understanding the unique healthcare needs of older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific otolaryngologic (ear, nose, and throat) needs of patients aged 65 and older.
- To analyze the frequency and types of ENT conditions presenting in geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted over one year.
- Data from 418 geriatric patients (≥65 years) visiting an otolaryngology department were analyzed.
- Information collected included age, gender, chief complaint, and clinical diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Geriatric patients constituted 2.1% of all otolaryngology visits (418 out of 19,875).
- The most frequent complaints were ear and hearing disorders (24.2%), epistaxis (15.3%), balance disorders (15.1%), pharyngotonsillar pathologies (14.8%), and head/facial trauma (9.6%).
Conclusions:
- The increasing geriatric population impacts the types and frequency of otolaryngologic conditions encountered.
- Geriatric patients require a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment due to their unique health considerations.
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