Why Is COVID-19 a Special Danger to Otolaryngologists?
Although coronavirus cases have been leading the world by numbers, there's still so much we don't know. Since the virus has become community-spread, asymptomatic carriers will likely play a significant role when it comes to dissemination of the virus. This has put patients as well as otolaryngologists at risk.
Therefore, when it comes to mitigating the viral spread, the asymptomatic carriers need to be identified.
Anosmia
Anosmia or the loss of sense of smell is proven to be one of those unusual symptoms to identify asymptomatic carriers. For those who are in Norman, OK and have been considered as ENT specialists, are well aware of anosmia in patients. Viral neuropathy in the olfactory nerve is the main cause in this regard. When it comes to COVID-19, the unusual fact is that it may be present with no respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion or sneezing. This possible connection compounds the risk to the providers.
Close Contact with the Patient
Otolaryngologists have to be in close contact with the patients while conducting physical examinations. During this time, the physicians encounter aerosolized viral particles, putting them at higher risk. Therefore, the recent scheduled outpatient visits and surgeries have been readjusted.
Rhinologic Procedures
Since nasal operations allow surgeons to come in contact with high viral titers of nasal mucosa, they're a high-risk procedure for coronavirus transmission. Patients who are positive to COVID-19, the surgery should be postponed immediately. And if required, an alternative option needs to be chosen.
Head & Neck Surgery
Although head and neck surgeries are imperative to treat cancer cases, the use of electrocautery can result in aerosolization of the virus. When the procedures are not exposed to mucosa, the surgeries are at lower risk.
Therefore, every ENT surgery during the pandemic needs to undergo a test for COVID-19. If the result is positive, the surgery must be postponed.
Find an Otolaryngologist
Whether you have been suffering from nasal congestion or runny nose, it's recommended that you must visit Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates. Our otolaryngologists at Norman can help you treat infectious disease. Give us a call and schedule an appointment.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.