Pattern of Otorhinolaryngological Conditions among Outpatients in a Tertiary Centre of Lumbini Province in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological disorders contribute most to outpatient visits in developing countries. However, epidemio
logical data from western Nepal remain scarce.

Aims: To describe the pattern, seasonal variation, and geographic distribution of Ear, Nose, and Throat conditions at a major tertiary referral centre in Lumbini Province.

Methods: A hospital based prospective cross-sectional study among all patients who came to Ear, Nose, and Throat out-patient department of Bheri Hospital, a tertiary health care centre in Nepalgunj, Banke from July  2024 to June 2025.

Results: Females predominated at 60%, with a reversal in the Pediatric group where boys outnumbered girls (776 vs. 644). Attendance peaked during the monsoon months and a secondary winter surge, consistent across all age groups (χ² = 87.884, p < 0.001). Throat disorders were most frequent (51.5%), followed by ear (25.7%) and nose (21.8%). Across 90 diagnoses, Chronic Otitis Media–Mucosal type was the leading single diagnosis at 17.8% and topped the charts in nearly every age group and month. The top ten diagnoses accounted for 79.7% of all visits. Geographically, 81.3% of patients were from Lumbini Province, while 13.2% came from Karnali, 3.6% from Sudurpaschim, and 1.7% crossed the India–Nepal border.

Conclusion: Throat disorders and chronic otitis media mucosal dominate among patterns of Ear, Nose, and Throat morbidity at Bheri Hospital, with clear seasonal peaks and showing a regional variation of the outpatients.