Analysis of the characteristics of outpatient and emergency diseases in the department of otolaryngology during the "COVID-19" pandemic

The pandemic of "Corona Virus Disease 2019" (COVID-19) has changed the lives of people. There have been changes in common outpatient and emergency cases in otolaryngology, so an analysis of data pertaining to this was completed. This study is to evaluate the impact of viral infection disease in otolaryngological common disease. This study uses the data of common diseases in the outpatient and emergency department during the "COVID-19" pandemic (from February to April 2020) and the same period in the past 3 years from the Department of Otolaryngology. During the "COVID-19" period compared with the same period last year, the ranking of cases by diseases has changed. Diseases such as chronic pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, sudden deafness, and tinnitus increased, meanwhile acute pharyngitis and acute laryngopharyngitis decreased (p < 0.05). The viral infection has impacted the mental behaviors of people, therefore mental-related disease cases of the department of Otolaryngology have increased indirectly. This study provides real data to illustrate mental-related diseases. It also provides experience and shows the importance of keeping and maintaining mental health.