Epidemiology of otorhinolaryngologic diseases in frontier guards at the northwest border

Objective To provide the suggestions for prevention and treatment of otorhinolaryngologic diseases in grass-root military units by investigating their prevalence in frontier guards at the northwest border. Methods The prevalence of common otorhinolaryngologic diseases was investigated in 1 187 officers and men stationed at highlands of 3 000-4 700 meters above sea level and 1 795 officers and men stationed at desert peripheral areas of 1 100-1 200 meters above sea level.Their medical history was asked and their ear,nose and throat were examined. Results The prevalence of rhinitis sicca,cold injury of auricle,allergic rhinitis,ceruminal impaction,and tinnitus was 7.58%,7.33%,5.81%,2.61%,and 1.52% respectively in the 1 187 officers and men stationed at highlands of 3 000-4 700 meters above sea level,while the prevalence of rhinitis sicca,allergic rhinitis,ceruminal impaction,tinnitus,and perforation of tympanic membrane was 6.30%,2.06%,0.61%,0.33%,and 0.28% respectively in the 1 795 officers and men stationed at desert peripheral areas of 1 100-1 200 meters above sea level.Rhinitis sicca was found to be the most common otorhinolaryngologic disease.No significant difference was found in the prevalence of rhinitis sicca between the two groups.The prevalence of auricle cold injury was significantly higher in the 1 187 officers and men stationed at highlands of 3 000-4 700 meters above sea level than in those stationed at desert peripheral areas of 1 100-1 200 meters above sea level（P＜0.01）. Conclusion Rhinitis sicca should be prevented in frontier guards at the northwest border.Auricles should be protected against cold injury in officers and men stationed at highlands.