Ep. 226 Managing Allergy Symptoms Amid Environmental Changes with Dr. Jennifer Villwock and Dr. William Reisacher
Are your allergies getting worse, or is it the environment? In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Jennifer Villwock, a rhinologist at the University of Kansas, and Dr. William Reisacher, an otolaryngologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital, join the podcast to discuss the impact of environmental extremes on the unified airway with hosts Dr. Ashley Agan and Dr. Gopi Shah.
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SYNPOSIS
Topics include the increasing prevalence of allergies and asthma due to climate change, the effects of environmental pollutants and particulates on respiratory health, and the role of healthcare providers in educating and advocating for patients. The conversation also addresses practical strategies for managing symptoms, the importance of urban planning and sustainable practices, and the hope that collective individual efforts can lead to meaningful change.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - Understanding the Unified Airway03:09 - Patient Concerns and Environmental Factors10:24 - Impact of Temperature and CO2 on Allergies14:57 - Barometric Pressure and Migraines21:03 - Pollution, Particulate Matter, and Solutions24:49 - Urban Planning29:32 - Epigenetics and Environmental Impact34:15 - Indoor Air Quality and Mold Issues41:01 - Advocacy and Environmental Health45:46 - Final Thoughts and Hope for the Future
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RESOURCES
Dr. Jennifer Villwockhttps://www.kumc.edu/jvillwock.html
Dr. William Reisacher https://weillcornell.org/wreisacher
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50:52
Ep. 225 Sinusitis and Cognitive Impairment: Exploring the Inflammatory Pathway with Dr. Aria Jafari
Chronic sinusitis might be doing more than just clogging your nose–it could be clouding your brain. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. Aria Jafari, an assistant professor at the University of Washington and co-director of the Neuroendocrinology Advanced Sinus and Skull-base Surgery Fellowship, discusses the connection between sinusitis and cognitive dysfunction with hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan.
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SYNPOSIS
Dr. Jafari shares how his interest in this field developed and details his research on the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and brain function. The conversation highlights the comprehensive impact of sinus inflammation on overall health, emphasizing the importance of viewing CRS as a whole-body condition. They also discuss patient experiences, the methodologies used to assess cognitive dysfunction, potential treatments, and what’s next in the research frontier.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 06:18 - The Impact of CRS on Quality of Life14:02 - Understanding Brain Fog and Cognitive Dysfunction24:29 - Pathophysiology and Theories of Cognitive Dysfunction27:44 - Chronic Inflammation and Cognitive Effects28:59 - Impact of Biologics on Cognitive Function31:28 - Risk Factors for Cognitive Dysfunction35:02 - Olfactory Symptoms 37:13 - Future Research and Treatment Approaches45:31 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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RESOURCES
Dr. Aria Jafari https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/aria-jafari
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51:07
Ep. 224 Safety & Preparedness in Office Based Procedures with Dr. Scott Fortune
The best doctors aren’t lucky—they’re prepared. Discover how to keep your office safe during in-office procedures. In this episode of BackTable ENT, Dr. Scott Fortune, an otolaryngologist from Allergy and ENT Associates of Middle Tennessee, discusses office-based procedural safety with Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan.
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SYNPOSIS
The doctors delve into the importance of preparedness in handling potential complications, emphasizing the necessity of having the right equipment and protocols in place. Dr. Fortune provides detailed guidelines on managing anesthesia, preventing and handling bleeding, and addressing possible complications such as vasovagal reactions and anaphylaxis. The conversation covers practical tips, including the use of local anesthetics, sedatives, and the importance of patient history and clearance forms. This comprehensive discussion is a valuable resource for ENT professionals looking to enhance the safety and efficacy of their office-based procedures.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction 01:34 - Discussing Safety in Office Procedures07:47 - Safety Protocols and Equipment19:11 - Anesthesia and Sedation Protocols27:29 - Handling Emergencies and Reversal Agents30:00 - Local Anesthesia and Toxicity38:29 - Effective Anesthesia Techniques for Office Procedures41:25 - Bleeding Control in Office Procedures53:36 - Handling Office Procedure Complications01:00:19 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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RESOURCES
Dr. Scott Fortune https://www.enthealth.org/find-ent/d-scott-fortune/
Patient Selection, Safety, and Preparedness for Office-Based Otolaryngology Procedureshttps://www.oto.theclinics.com/article/S0030-6665(25)00020-9/abstract
AAOA anaphylaxis guidelineshttps://www.aaoallergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2015-Clinical-Care-Statements-Anaphylaxis.pdf
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1:03:48
Ep. 223 Evaluation and Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis with Dr. James Daniero
Never let the sun set on bilateral vocal fold paralysis–timely diagnosis and intervention are key. In this episode of Backtable ENT, Dr. James Daniero, a laryngologist from the University of Virginia, discusses the evaluation and management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis with Dr. Gopi Shah and guest host Dr. Stephen Schoeff.---SYNPOSISThe trio delves into the complexities of diagnosing and managing bilateral vocal fold paralysis in adults, examining etiologies, diagnostic procedures, and current treatment options. They specifically highlight the differences between bilateral vocal fold immobility and paralysis, discuss innovative techniques such as bilateral selective reinnervation and laryngeal pacing, and share practical tips for securing the airway in an acute setting. The episode also emphasizes the evolving nature of treatments and the importance of timely intervention.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 02:05 - Understanding and Diagnosing Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis09:19 - Management and Treatment Options25:40 - Tracheotomy Techniques and Considerations31:31 - Exploring Surgical Options for Patients34:22 - Addressing Dysphagia in Airway Surgeries35:50 - Innovative Techniques in Laryngeal Reinnervation39:34 - Patient Selection for Advanced Surgeries47:11 - Laryngeal Pacing: A Future Option54:50 - Final Thoughts and Recommendations---RESOURCESDr. James Daniero https://uvahealth.com/findadoctor/James-Daniero-1386817484Dr. Stephen Schoeff https://www.enthealth.org/find-ent/stephen-s-schoeff/
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59:11
Ep. 222 Survivorship in Head and Neck Cancer with Dr. Michael Moore and Heather Starmer, PhD, CCC-SLP
What does it take to improve quality of life after head and neck cancer? In this episode of Backtable ENT, guests Dr. Heather Starmer, a speech and language pathologist at Stanford University, and Dr. Michael Moore, a head and neck cancer surgeon at Indiana University explore the topic of head and neck cancer survivorship.---SYNPOSISThe discussion centers on the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors, including dysphagia, dry mouth, chronic pain, and mental health issues. The experts emphasize the importance of early intervention, community support, and comprehensive care to enhance the quality of life for survivors. Various resources, such as the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, are highlighted to assist patients and providers in navigating survivorship. The conversation also outlines future directions in research and the need for more qualitative studies to better understand long-term survivorship outcomes.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction03:23 - Understanding Survivorship & Challenges in Head and Neck Cancer14:06 - Managing Mobility and Lymphedema18:47 - Addressing Chronic Pain and Mental Health21:37 - Dental Care and Trismus Therapy25:58 - Long-Term Survivorship and Quality of Life31:36 - Survivorship Clinics and Multidisciplinary Care34:39 - Resources for Patients and Providers38:49 - Future Research and Educational Gaps---RESOURCESDr. Heather Starmerhttps://med.stanford.edu/profiles/heather-starmerDr. Michael Moorehttps://iuhealth.org/find-providers/provider/michael-g-moore-md-64028
The BackTable ENT Podcast is a resource for otolaryngologists to learn tips, techniques, and practical advice on all things ear, nose, and throat. Tune in to the BackTable ENT Podcast every week for candid conversations about rhinology, laryngology, otology, and head and neck surgery.