Therapeutic Dilemmas in Otolaryngology: Is It Allergy or Not? (2023 AMW) Session
2023 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Allergy impacts most ENT practices. Allergic disease affects 40 million Americans. Allergic rhinitis is the 6th most common chronic disease. It has been suggested that the relationship between allergic disease and many head and neck diseases is crucial. This could present in a variety of ways and may affect the diagnosis due to overlapping symptoms and co-morbid conditions. Allergy, as a part of a complete ENT evaluation, is key. We all treat allergies at some level. By sharing experiences in this problem-based learning format, attendees will walk away with pearls that they will be able to use when trying to decide if allergy may be contributing to their patient's complaints.During this session, 3 cases of diagnostic and/or therapeutic dilemmas in otolaryngology will be presented. The focus of this session will be where allergy does (or does not) fit in to the diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm in the care of otolaryngology patients. A particular highlight will be the identification of key elements of the patient history, physical exam findings, or imaging/laboratory clues that can lead the clinician toward (or away from) an allergic contribution to the disease process. The session will feature interactive learning throughout.Cases may include a chronic cough patient and various presentations of sinus complaints.We are all faced with difficult cases that make us wonder if allergy (atopy) could be the underlying etiology. Come work through some cases with us and explore allergy as a possible etiology for many common ENT complaintsOUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Improve clinical acumen to identify allergy signs/symptoms in the patient presenting to the otolaryngology practiceOUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Recognize where allergy fits into the diagnostic/therapeutic algorithm for patients presenting for sinus complaintsOUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement an approach to evaluating and managing cough in a patient presenting to an otolaryngology practiceBACKGROUND STATEMENT: Allergy affects almost all otolaryngology practices at some level. Whether members are currently offering allergy services or not, they likely have patients presenting with complaints that may have a contribution from an allergic etiology.