Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to show another possible cause of
oropharyngeal fibrosis causing breathing difficulty and dysphagia, and
to demonstrate the possible effects of Khat chewing on the pharynx and
larynx. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all patients using
Khat referred to Phoniatric Unit, Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
department[removed for blind peer review] due to different reasons
during the period of March-2017 and September-2019. A nine-question
self-administered structured questionnaire was developed to covers all
the socio-demographic factors in addition to Khat chewing habits. Full
endoscopic evaluation was made and biopsies were obtained whenever
possible. Patients were grouped into two groups; one using hot Khat
(insecticide-irrigated) and the other using cold Khat (not
insecticide-irrigated). Results: The overall sample was 120 cases; 22
are using hot Khat and 98 cold Khat. Both groups are comparable with
regard age, gender, smoking, duration of using Khat as well as its
frequency. Reasons for referral for clinic were different between groups
(p<0.001). Oropharyngeal stenotic lesions are (p<
0.0001) more frequent in the hot Khat group (77.3%) than in the cold
Khat group (0%). In addition, chronic non-specific inflammation is
significantly (p<0.0001) more frequent in the hot Khat group
(68.2%) than in the cold Khat group (0%). Conclusion: The relation
between Khat chewing and oropharyngeal fibrosis can be proposed with
strong relation to the use of pesticides. Further studies are
recommended to confirm this relation. Succinct Key points: Khat chewing,
oropharyngeal fibrosis, dysphagia, nasal obstruction, Yamen