Prevalence and Factors Associated with Upper Airway Obstruction among Patients with Deep Neck Infection in a Tertiary Hospital
Keywords:
deep neck infection (DNI), upper airway obstruction (UAO), risk factorsAbstract
This retrospective descriptive study aimed to study the prevalence and factors associated with upper airway obstruction (UAO) in patients with deep neck infections (DNI) at a tertiary hospital. The research methodology reviewed the medical records of 303 patients treated for deep neck infection at the Eye Nose Throat (ENT) Department of the Tertiary Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. The data tools were medical record forms consisting of 1) a general information form, 2) a history of comorbidities and health behavior form, 3) a clinical symptoms and signs record form, and 4) laboratory test results. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis with a statistical significance level .05
The study results found that the prevalence of UAO in patients with DNI over the past 3 years was 5.56%, 8.33%, and 10.57%, respectively. Three factors associated with UAO in DNI patients were found to be being aged 60 years and above, presenting with symptoms of a sore throat, and patients undergoing oral procedures. This study demonstrates the importance of screening and surveillance, particularly in the high-risk groups of patients aged 60 years, with sore throats, and undergoing oral procedures. It provides guidelines for developing clinical practice guidelines for the care of and interventions for high-risk patients.
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