[Typical emergencies in otorhinolaryngology-a monocentric analysis of the seasonal course]

The incidence of acute ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diagnoses is influenced by multiple parameters, for example meteorological and seasonal influences. By better understanding the triggering factors, prophylactic approaches can be developed.

A retrospective analysis was performed over 6 years of all patients who presented to the university hospital because of typical and minor ENT emergencies. The diagnoses impacted cerumen, acute otitis media, acute otitis externa, nasal bone fracture, epistaxis, acute tonsillitis, acute rhinosinusitis, and peritonsillar abscess were analyzed.

A total of 32,968 cases were analyzed. Epistaxis was the most common of the investigated emergency diagnoses, accounting for 24.5% (8082 cases). Epistaxis, acute otitis media, and acute rhinosinusitis occurred significantly more frequently in the colder half of the year. There was no significant correlation of the incidence of nasal bone fracture with public holidays. Acute otitis externa correlated significantly with the local summer vacations. In calendar week 38, the fewest total emergency presentations occurred, whereas in calendar week 52, the most emergency presentations occurred.

Seasonal and meteorological factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of many emergency ENT diagnoses.