An increase in cases of complicated chronic otitis media: an indirect impact of COVID pandemic
<p><strong>Background:</strong> Chronic otitis media is the most common disease dealt by an otologist, the cases of complication of which are remarkably low. The use of antibiotics and mastoidectomies have resulted in the fall of the fatal complications. COVID-19 pandemic called for restrictions which lead to medical care delay.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was conducted in the department of otolaryngology of GMC and associated hospitals, Jammu from June 2020 and May 2021. The data was retrospectively collected the data from March 2018 to June 2020. The study group included the patients diagnosed with Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) on otoscopy and the patients with complications of CSOM were evaluated for the symptoms of complication, type of complication, bacteriology, treatment and hospital stay.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The 38 (7.5%) patients among these were diagnosed with one or other complication, out of which 29 (76.3%) cases occurred during the COVID pandemic. The extra-cranial complications were more common and young to middle age group was more commonly involved.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> COM is a common otological disease, the occurrence of which should not be taken lightly. Without timely and accurate treatment, the complications ensue which are difficult to treat and require expertise.</p>