PRINCIPAIS PATOLOGIAS OTORRINOLARINGOLÓGICAS ENCONTRADAS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE

Otorhinolaryngological disorders are among the most common complaints in primary health care (PHC) services, accounting for a substantial clinical demand across all age groups. This study aimed to review, based on the scientific literature, the main otorhinolaryngological diseases observed in PHC, addressing their prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapeutic management. A narrative literature review was conducted, analyzing publications indexed in the SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases over the past ten years. The conditions most frequently encountered in PHC practice include rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, external and middle otitis, pharyngotonsillitis, and laryngitis. Most of these conditions can be clinically diagnosed and effectively managed at the primary care level, provided that health professionals are adequately trained to distinguish mild cases from those requiring referral to specialized care. The analysis also highlighted major challenges faced by professionals, such as insufficient specific training, inappropriate use of antibiotics, lack of standardized clinical protocols, and weaknesses in coordination between levels of care. It is concluded that strengthening PHC in the management of these disorders depends on investments in continuing education, evidence-based protocols, and integration among healthservices. These measures are essential to ensure effective, safe, and patient-centered care.