Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation in Patients With Smell Dysfunction Following Endoscopic Sellar and Parasellar Tumor Resection: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Endoscopic endonasal approaches pose the potential risk of olfactory loss. Loss of olfaction and potentially taste can be permanent and greatly affect patients' quality of life. Treatments for olfactory loss have had limited success.

Assessing asthma in the otolaryngologist's office.

Purpose Of Review: To familiarize otolaryngologists and other practitioners with basic diagnosis and treatment of asthma in adults and children based on current literature.

Recent Findings: Increased fractional excretion of nitrous oxide and sputum eosinophils have been identified in asthmatic patients being evaluated for chronic cough and appear to be more sensitive in diagnosis than traditional spirometry. Both sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy modalities are effective in decreasing symptoms and medication use in patients with allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Perceived compliance and barriers to care in sublingual immunotherapy.

Background: For allergy immunotherapy to be effective, patient compliance is critical. However, aqueous sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) may be considered demanding for patients, requiring strict daily dosing and refilling of medication at regular intervals. In this study we sought to determine how patients perceive their own compliance with SLIT and identify barriers that may hinder compliance.

Immunotherapy compliance: comparison of subcutaneous versus sublingual immunotherapy.

Background: Patient compliance is critical for successful allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Previous studies suggest that AIT compliance is worse outside of controlled clinical trials, with reported subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) noncompliance at 11% to 50% and 3% to 25%, respectively.

Methods: A retrospective review of 384 AIT patients at a single, tertiary care otolaryngic allergy practice evaluated SCIT and SLIT compliance, based on treatment stage.

ABCs of asthma inhaler and device training.

Background: The impact of poor adherence and medication administration is well documented, as are the difficulties with asthma inhaler and device usage. However, difficulties with these devices and inhalers continue to present significant challenges to many healthcare providers and patients.

Methods: A systematic review of the published, peer-reviewed international literature was performed to identify likely teaching needs as well as available and recommended resources to address same.

Polypoid changes of the middle turbinate as an indicator of atopic disease.

Background: High levels of local immunoglobulin E (IgE) have been demonstrated in nasal polypoid tissue; however, an association between nasal polyps and allergy has not been proven. The authors have observed that polypoid edema isolated to the leading edge of the middle turbinate (MT) is highly associated with allergic rhinitis. The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between isolated MT polyps and inhalant allergy.