Volume 28, Issue 4 (Iran South Med J 2026)
Iran South Med J 2026, 28(4): 801-815 |
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Aein Jamshid A, Bolkheir A R. Aquatic Exposures and Otorhinolaryngologic Disorders: A Systematic Review. Iran South Med J 2026; 28 (4) :801-815
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2398-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2398-en.html
1- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
2- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran ,bolkhayramirreza@yahoo.com
2- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran ,
Abstract: (236 Views)
Background: Exposure to aquatic environments is associated with a variety of health conditions, including otorhinolaryngologic disorders. Given the extensive northern and southern coastlines of Iran and the expanding scope of fishing, commercial and recreational water activities, there has been a growing incidence of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases linked to aquatic exposure.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases using the keywords ear, nose, and throat diseases, aquatic exposure, diving, and swimming. A total of 3,540 articles were retrieved. After screening titles and abstracts, 77 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail.
Results: Among the evaluated conditions, middle ear barotrauma—reported with a prevalence ranging from 30% to 81%—was identified as the most common diving-related disorder. In addition, external otitis and exostosis were frequently observed among individuals engaged in prolonged aquatic activities. Although inner ear barotrauma, inner ear decompression sickness, and laryngeal disorders were less prevalent, they were clinically significant due to their potentially severe complications.
Conclusion: Otorhinolaryngologic disorders are prevalent among individuals involved in aquatic activities. Preventive strategies—such as the use of safe pressure equalization techniques, ear protection, and early medical intervention—are essential to minimize complications. Further research is warranted to obtain more precise prevalence estimates, identify risk factors, and establish evidence-based preventive guidelines.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases using the keywords ear, nose, and throat diseases, aquatic exposure, diving, and swimming. A total of 3,540 articles were retrieved. After screening titles and abstracts, 77 studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in detail.
Results: Among the evaluated conditions, middle ear barotrauma—reported with a prevalence ranging from 30% to 81%—was identified as the most common diving-related disorder. In addition, external otitis and exostosis were frequently observed among individuals engaged in prolonged aquatic activities. Although inner ear barotrauma, inner ear decompression sickness, and laryngeal disorders were less prevalent, they were clinically significant due to their potentially severe complications.
Conclusion: Otorhinolaryngologic disorders are prevalent among individuals involved in aquatic activities. Preventive strategies—such as the use of safe pressure equalization techniques, ear protection, and early medical intervention—are essential to minimize complications. Further research is warranted to obtain more precise prevalence estimates, identify risk factors, and establish evidence-based preventive guidelines.
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Otolaryngology
Received: 2025/10/27 | Accepted: 2025/12/31 | Published: 2026/02/24
Received: 2025/10/27 | Accepted: 2025/12/31 | Published: 2026/02/24
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