Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Effect on the Progression of Cervicofacial Cellulitis

Introduction: Cervicofacial cellulitis is an infection affecting the soft tissues of the face and neck that constitutes a medical and surgical emergency. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the clinical progression of cervicofacial cellulitis. Materials and Methods: This prospective descriptive study was conducted between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, in the ENT department of EPH and the maxillofacial surgery department of the CHU in the Wilaya of Batna, Algeria. The study involved 100 patients diagnosed with cervicofacial cellulitis. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had taken NSAIDs prior to admission. Results: The study revealed that cervicofacial cellulitis predominantly affects young male patients. The entry point was dental in 90.7% of cases. The lower jugal region was the most frequently affected site (63.38%). Clinical signs were dominated by swelling (100%), trismus (65%), pain (60.19%), and fever (52.36%). Fifty percent of patients had taken NSAIDs. Comparison between patients who had taken NSAIDs and those who had not showed that clinical severity signs were more pronounced in NSAID-exposed patients. Time to symptom worsening and length of hospitalization were longer in patients who had taken NSAIDs. Conclusion: This study calls for increased vigilance among healthcare professionals, particularly surgeons, dentists, and general practitioners, to adhere strictly to NSAID indications and urges pharmacists to limit over-the-counter NSAID dispensing.