Physiological changes in ENT during pregnancy

Although a number of changes occur in ear, nose, throat during pregnancy, yet these changes are neglected because majority of these changes go away after the pregnancy is over. Almost every corner of ENT is effected during pregnancy e.g., ear, nose, larynx (voice), oesophagus, thyroid etc. This paper deals with the various physiological changes in ENT during pregnancy and the worsening of symptomatology of various ENT ailments during pregnancy. These physiological changes are mainly due to the changing levels of estrogens and progesterone hormones during pregnancy. Many of these changes lead to symptomatology referable to head & neck and various disorders managed by otolaryngologist are more prevalent during pregnancy. A thorough understanding of these various effects of pregnancy is mandatory for an otolaryngologist to treat these disorders. © Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2006.