Need For Otolaryngologists Research Articles

Beyond Hypoglossal Hype: Social Media Perspectives on the Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation System

In the landscape of sleep surgery, the Inspire® Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) device has gained prominence as an increasingly popular treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea, prompting significant discourse across social media platforms. This study explores the social media narrative of the UAS device, particularly the nature of multimedia content, author demographics, and audience engagement on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Our analysis encompassed 423 public posts, revealing images (67.4%) and videos (28.1%) as the dominant content types, with over a third of posts authored by physicians. A notable 40% of posts were advertisements, whereas patient experiences comprised 34.5%. TikTok, although presenting a smaller sample size, showed a substantially higher engagement rate, with posts averaging 152.9 likes, compared with Instagram and Facebook at 32.7 and 41.2 likes, respectively. The findings underscore the need for otolaryngologists and healthcare professionals to provide clear, evidence-based information on digital platforms. Given social media’s expanding role in healthcare, medical professionals must foster digital literacy and safeguard the accuracy of health information online. In this study, we concluded that maintaining an evidence-based, transparent digital dialogue for medical innovations such as the UAS device necessitates collaborative efforts among physicians, health institutions, and technology companies.

Voice hoarseness in a patient with underlying Eisenmenger\u2019s syndrome: a case report

BackgroundThe natural history of patients diagnosed with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome typically revolve around the pediatric population. Medical advances have allowed these patients to live longer and present with a different subset of symptoms as a result of the progression of their disease process.Case presentationIn this case report, we discuss a 77-year-old Caucasian female with Eisenmenger’s Syndrome presenting with hoarseness. Clinical and imaging studies reveal a left vocal cord paralysis secondary to a progressively enlarging patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and dilation of pulmonary arteries causing mass effect on the left recurrent laryngeal nerve.ConclusionFrom a clinical perspective, this case highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be aware of the pathophysiology of Eisenmenger’s Syndrome as it progresses with age.

Facial Trauma, Concussions, and Return to Play: What Otolaryngologists Need to Know

Program Description: Concussions and return to play are public health concerns that are gaining coverage as incidence and public awareness increases. Otolaryngologists play an increasing role in the diagnosis of facial trauma and concussions. Not only does the public and health community look to head and neck surgeons for facial trauma treatment, but there is also increasing need for otolaryngologists to play a role in helping concussed athletes return to play. This miniseminar will present the relationship of facial trauma to concussions, review guidelines for diagnosing concussions, review guidelines for returning athletes to play, and review how otolaryngologists fit into the treatment algorithm. Educational Objectives: (1) Consider the relationship between facial trauma and concussions. (2) Cite the criteria for diagnosing concussions and returning athletes back to play. (3) Determine the role the otolaryngologist plays in helping the athlete return to play.

Laryngeal Ulceration and Hemoptysis Secondary to Inadvertent Alendronate Overdose: Case Report and review of the Literature

Alendronate is commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Its drug profile includes many recognized side effects, and the literature includes case reports of esophageal irritation and ulceration. However, little has been published about laryngeal effects. We describe the case of a 77-year-old man who presented with hemoptysis secondary to laryngeal ulceration caused by the inadvertent misuse of alendronate. This case highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be familiar with alendronate and its side effects.

Challenging Cough Cases: A New Frontier in Otolaryngology

Program Description: Both acute and chronic cough are responsible for a significant portion of all ambulatory medical visits annually (about 3%), over-the-counter self-medication expenses in excess of $3.6 billion in the United States, and impaired quality of life. According to 2007 data, there were more than 27 million visits to all physicians for cough, but that same year otolaryngologists saw a total of only 17 million visits for all diagnoses. This suggests a large unmet need for otolaryngologists to participate in the care of these patients. The diagnosis of cough can be simple or profoundly challenging, and it may be a sentinel indicator of severe underlying disease. The list of diseases that may induce cough is growing, along with an appreciation of their interrelations. For example, the Unified Airway concept supports our long-held observation that the upper and lower airway diseases are closely related. There is also a spectrum of overlapping asthmatic, non-asthmatic, and suppurative pulmonary disease. Gastroesophageal reflux (both distal and proximal LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux), along with neurologic reflexes and aspiration are similarly important. And the complex interplay of neurologic reflexes for cough in the brainstem may result in paradoxical vocal fold motion and disordered breathing. Otolaryngologists are playing an increasingly important role in the multidisciplinary evaluation of these challenging patients, and mastering many procedures associated with cough patients. The spectrum of medical specialists also includes pulmonology and chest physicians, allergy and immunology, gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, infectious disease, speech and swallowing pathologists, as well as psychiatry. This miniseminar will involve the use of case presentations, panel discussion and audience participation to emphasize evidence-based practice and “state-of-the-art.” Controversial areas will include the inter-relatedness of the disease, the role of speech therapy in disordered breathing, and the importance of early diagnosis in value-based healthcare. Educational Objectives: 1) Learn the spectrum of common and uncommon causes of chronic cough. 2) Understand evidence-based treatment guidelines in the evaluation and treatment of these patients. 3) Be prepared to participate in interdisciplinary discussion of these patients at their home institution.

Complementary medicine use in patients with head and neck cancer in Ireland

The objectives of the study were: first, to determine the prevalence of traditional medicine (TM) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in head and neck cancer patients in Ireland; second, to educate ourselves on the plethora of CAM/TM options available to patients outside the dominion of conventional medicine. The study design consisted of a cross-sectional survey carried out in three head and neck cancer centres. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 110 head and neck cancer patients attending the three cancer centres and data were collected for statistical analysis. A total of 106 patients completed the questionnaire; 21.7% of the participants used CAM/TM since their diagnosis with head and neck cancer. CAM/TM usage was higher in female (34.3%) than in male patients (16.2%). CAM/TM use was more common in the 41-50-year age group, in patients with higher educational levels and those holding strong religious beliefs, and also in married than single patients. The most common types of CAM/TM used were spiritual and laying on of hands. The most common reasons reported for using CAM/TM were to counteract the ill effects of treatment and increase the body's ability to fight cancer. Sources of information on CAM/TM were friends (65%), family (48%) and media (21%). This survey reveals a high prevalence of CAM/TM use in head and neck cancer patients, hence emphasising the need for otolaryngologists to educate themselves on the various therapies available to be able to provide informative advice. There is an urgent need for evidence-based investigation of various CAM/TM therapies currently offered to patients.

Role of Otolaryngologists in Health Care for the Homeless

This study describes the prevalence of head and neck disease in patients seen at an urban, federally qualified clinic for those experiencing homelessness and determines the need for otolaryngologists in providing health care for the homeless. All adult patient visits from 2000 to 2004 were reviewed for ICD-9 diagnostic codes representing otolaryngological diseases. Chart review was performed for patients referred to a volunteer otolaryngologist to confirm diagnoses and referrals. During the study period, the clinic served 11,690 unique patients in 59,060 patient visits. Otolaryngological diagnoses accounted for 8,959 of these total visits (15.2%), 94% of which were managed by primary care providers. The most common diagnoses were "upper respiratory infections," "symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions of the head and neck, cough, dysphagia," "other diseases of upper respiratory tract," and "disorders of the ear/mastoid process." An on-site volunteer otolaryngologist provided consultation on 6% of all patients with otolaryngological diagnoses, averaging 108 consultations per year; 39 patients were subsequently referred to community specialists for surgery and audiology services. There is a small but significant need for otolaryngologists in providing health care for homeless individuals in an urban setting. The authors encourage otolaryngologists and homeless health-care clinics to establish a relationship for volunteer services.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum presenting with retropharyngeal emphysema

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare condition that may follow increases in intrathoracic pressure. Patients may present with symptoms isolated to the head and neck. Although this condition is usually benign, there are other potentially fatal conditions, which often present similarly and clinically are difficult to differentiate from this entity. Despite this condition being described in the thoracic and medical literature, very little is found in the otolaryngological literature. This article reports 4 cases in which presenting symptoms were limited to the head and neck and otolaryngologists were the initial consultants. This highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be aware of this clinical entity.

Prevalence of Noninvasive Fungal Sinusitis in South Australia

The aim of this study was to document the prevalence of noninvasive fungal sinusitis in patients with chronic sinusitis and thick viscous secretions in South Australia. We studied of 349 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery in a specialized rhinology practice. Patients with nasal polyposis and thick fungal-like sinus mucin had operative samples sent for microscopy and fungal culture. Evidence of atopy was taken as positive radioallergosorbent or skin-prick tests to fungi. One hundred and thirty-four (38%) patients were noted to have thick, viscid sinus mucin, raising suspicion of fungal disease. Ninety-three patients had positive fungal cultures or microscopy (26.6%). It was possible to classify 95.5% of the patients into subgroups of noninvasive fungal sinusitis or nonfungal sinusitis: 8.6% of patients with allergic fungal sinusitis, 1.7% of patients with allergic fungal sinusitis-like sinusitis, 15.2% of patients with chronic fungal sinusitis, one patient with a fungal ball, and the remaining 69% of patients with nonfungal chronic sinusitis. This is the first prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of these increasingly widely recognized conditions. It highlights the need for otolaryngologists to be alert to these not uncommon diagnoses in order for early, appropriate medical and surgical management to be instituted.

American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery: Free Papers: Otolaryngolic Complications of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

At this meeting, Charles Edmond, MD, George Zalzal, MD, John Nowlin, MD, and Billie Lou Short, MD, presented their experience with the otolaryngologic complications associated with ECMO. The most common otolaryngologic complication was postextubation stridor, which occurred in 25 (13.6%) of 227 patients examined. Almost half of these patients required flexible or direct laryngoscopic examination. Bleeding from the nasotracheal tube and tracheitis were also reported and were felt to be secondary to repeated suctioning. Complications related to the surgical procedure included neck hematomas, Horner's syndrome, and vocal cord paralysis. The authors emphasized the need for otolaryngologists to be familiar with these types of complications as they will likely be consulted more often as more centers develop ECMO programs.

Otolaryngology and family practice.

Patients seek medical care for ENT disorders more than any other illness. Usually these patients are seen by primary care physicians, internists, pediatricians, or family physicians. Yet residents in these areas and medical students have little training in treating upper respiratory disease. The need for otolaryngologists to participate in the teaching of these groups requires their participation in ambulatory health care facilities. These include the hospital outpatient clinics, rural and urban health centers, and the model family practice units required in family practice residencies. A major contribution of otolaryngology is the training of nonspecialists to treat the common ENT disorders.

Otitis media and its complications (1967 and 1968).

THE purpose of this review of selected articles is to stress the need for otolaryngologists to continually reexamine their concepts of middle ear disease in the light of the current literature and to stimulate effective research in deficient areas. The close follow-up of hearing problems detected in pediatric populations will provide one of our best sources of information concerning the diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis in cases of otitis media. Serous Otitis Media Everberg 1 found that 288 grade-school children out of a total population of 2,700 studied had a hearing loss. Three quarters of the conductive hearing losses were due to serous otitis media. Nineteen children with serous otitis media required myringotomy for the removal of persistent tenacious middle ear fluid. Fluid analysis revealed a very high albumen content. The author suggested that this medium could encourage fibroblast proliferation leading to chronic adhesive otitis media. Comment.—This supposition was not

COMMENTS ON DR. BARRETT'S LETTER

To the Editor .—I read with interest Dr. Barrett's letter in the July issue of theArchivescalling attention to the need for otolaryngologists in the Project Viet Nam work. I also served in Viet Nam under Project HOPE a few years ago and heartily endorse what Dr. Barrett says about the value of this work. I would also like to call the attention of otolaryngologists to another opportunity for international medical work if the Viet Nam Project is not suited to their particular purpose or does not need them at the time they are available. This is the work of Project HOPE itself aboard the S.S. HOPE in various countries. The ship will be serving in Colombia, South America throughout the major part of 1967 and there is a need for otolaryngologists there. This is an educational program in which an exchange of knowledge is carried on with the