American journal of otolaryngology
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The current analysis queries rhinologists' attitudes about the use of telemedicine, including the degree to which it has impacted practice patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to survey rhinologists and understand the extent to which telemedicine serves as a rejoinder to in-person consultation: appreciation of relevant factors may be important in planning for present and future considerations. ⋯ Rhinologists have embraced telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in an attempt to improve accessibility, patient satisfaction, and revenue stream. When utilized appropriately, this technology obviates the need for seeing at-risk patients and performing procedures such as nasal endoscopy. Only a minority of rhinologists was dissatisfied, viewing this as a temporary fix during the pandemic.
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Mental health among head and neck surgeons in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national study.
Head and neck surgeons are among the highest risk for COVID-19 exposure, which also brings great risk to their mental wellbeing. In this study, we aim to evaluate mental health symptoms among head and neck surgeons in Brazil surrounding the time it was declared the epicenter of the virus. ⋯ Head and neck surgeons in Brazil reported symptoms of burnout, anxiety, distress and depression during our study period within the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions should monitor these symptoms throughout the pandemic. Further study is required to assess the long-term implications for physician wellness.
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Sleep disturbances are common in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Perennial allergens like house dust mites (HDM) are difficult to avoid and have nocturnal impacts on the respiratory system and Quality of Life (QOL). The Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep stage is associated with memory, cognition, dreams, and overall restfulness, which can be impaired in AR patients with Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) even when normal all-night apnea-hypopnea (AHI) or respiratory disturbance (RDI) indices are noted on polysomnography (PSG). We hypothesized that AR HDM allergen positive patients would show REM-specific SDB reflected in their objectively elevated REM-RDI values. ⋯ Our study highlighted the significance of respiratory allergies to HDM in patients with SDB. We revealed a significant relationship between HDM allergen positivity and SDB characterized by elevated REM-RDI regardless of all-night AHI, RDI, or REM-AHI values. Clinical implications of knowing about disturbed REM and/or HDM allergenicity include better preparation, treatment, outcomes, and QOL for allergic, SDB, and upper airway surgery patients.
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The current study aims at assessing the effectiveness of the guidelines set up by our clinic for the protection of patients and staff which enabled us to proceed with urgent and oncological surgery after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. ⋯ Our ENT guidelines regarding personal protection equipment and multiple simultaneous diagnostic procedures have proved to be an essential instrument for the management of patients with both known and unknown COVID-19 status.
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To determine the frequency and severity of general and ear nose throat (ENT)- related symptoms, especially smell and/or loss of sense of taste (STL) in COVID-19 disease, as well as to investigate the recovery process of STL. ⋯ STL is a common symptom in COVID-19 and may be the first and/or only symptom of this disease. In patients presenting with STL complaints, surveillance for possible COVID-19 disease and screening tests will facilitate the struggle against the disease.