ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To propose a way to safely perform endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy in ENT outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This manuscript highlights the importance of endoscopy in daily ENT clinical practice, which is a pivotal procedure in the diagnosis of many head and neck pathologies. However, since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the authors have witnessed a drastic reduction (91%) in the use of endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy at their institutions. In fact, it is considered at risk of contamination for healthcare professionals, as any upper airway manipulation procedure. RESULTS: In the "Back approach to the patient" for endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy, the operator positions himself behind the patient and faces the monitor. The endoscopist, not being positioned in front of the patient, should, therefore, be less exposed to airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. CONCLUSION: This simple variation of the physician's position during endoscopic nasopharyngoscopy could potentially reduce the risk of contagion since the operator is not in the trajectory of droplets and/or aerosols.
Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Endoscopy , Nasopharynx/diagnostic imaging , Otolaryngologists , Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Aerosols , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Head , Humans , Neck , Occupational Health , Otolaryngology , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
CONCLUSION: These preliminary data show a decrease in nasal tactile sensitivity and point out interesting aspects of the nasal chronic inflammatory condition in allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of allergic rhinitis on nasal tactile sensitivity during the intercritical period. METHODS: A total of 70 patients aged between 18 and 67 years (average 42 years), with a positive history of allergy caused by seasonal outdoor allergens, were included (group A). Patient outcome was assessed by the nasal monofilament test: a set of 20 Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments was used to detect nasal sensitivity for both nasal cavities. The sensitivity threshold was recorded as the minimum monofilament size with which patients could detect at least two of three stimuli. RESULTS: When compared to the control group (group B), subjects in group A required a significantly (p < 0.05) higher stimulus to trigger a touch response in the monofilament test, for both the inferior (195.1 ± 0.39 mg vs 67.7 ± 0.19 mg) and middle turbinate (108.7 ± 0.23 mg vs 67.7 ± 0.19 mg).
