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It has been described that exposure to tobacco smoke causes worsening of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Otherwise, some studies have demonstrated a negative association between cigarette smoke and allergic rhinitis (AR). Given this inconsistency, this study evaluated the quality of life and immuno-inflammatory parameters in current smokers and nonsmokers suffering from AR. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in patients who presented symptoms of AR. Patients were categorized into two groups: current smokers and non-smokers based on salivary cotinine measurements. Primary outcomes were the levels of immuno-inflammatory biomarkers (IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, and IL-33) in serum and nasal lavage and the quality of life assessed by the Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniRQLQ). Secondary outcomes included salivary cotinine levels, and pulmonary function parameters, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio. Twenty-two patients per group were included in the analysis, with no significant difference regarding demographic characteristics. Statistically significant higher values in salivary cotinine levels (p

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is an ear disorder defined by the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute infection. The aim of this randomised and controlled pilot study was to evaluate whether the treatment with a watery salsobromo- iodine solution, administered by nasal douche, could induce ear healing better than isotonic saline in children with OME.The study was randomized, single-blind, and controlled. Study group (40 children) was treated with salso-bromo-iodine thermal water solution and Control group (40 children) was treated with isotonic saline; both compounds were administered by nasal nebulization with Rinowash nasal douche twice/day for 10 days a month for 3 consecutive months. Tympanogram and audiometry were performed at baseline and after treatment.Salso-bromo-iodine therapy shows better and statistically significant trend after treatment when compared to control group both for tympanogram results with greater improvement (represented by type C tympanogram; p = 0.031) and healing (represented by type A tympanogram; p0.001) and audiometric results, with higher presence of patients with normal hearing (p = 0.029) and lower among patients with moderate hypoacusis (p = 0.014).The current randomized-controlled pilot study demonstrated that watery salso-bromo-iodine solution was effective in the treatment of children with OME.

Fibromatosis colli is an uncommon benign, congenital fibrous tumor or pseudotumor of the sternocleidomastoid muscle that manifests in infancy. In some of these patients tightening of the muscle results in torticollis. We report the case of a 3-week-old child, who presented with a neck mass localized in the left side with reduced mobility of the head. The diagnosis of fibromatosis colli was raised by ultrasound sonography. The mass regressed spontaneously within 3 months without surgical or physical treatment.

Choanal atresia is a congenital disorder in which the nasal choanae, (i.e., paired openings that connect the nasal cavity with the nasopharynx), are occluded by soft tissue (membranous), bone, or a combination of both, due to failed recanalization of the nasal fossae during fetal development. If unilateral, it presents with unilateral mucopurulent discharge. If bilateral, the neonate is unable to breathe. Since newborns are obligate nasal breathers, establishing an airway is an acute otolaryngologic emergency., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)

The Tullio phenomenon is a symptom or physical exam finding, whereas nystagmus or vertigo are induced in response to sound. This was described in animals nearly 90 years ago by professor Pietro Tullio in Bologna, Italy. In humans, the phenomenon was first observed in patients suffering from advanced syphilis. Since that time, numerous reports and studies have shown that the Tullio phenomenon can be seen in various pathologies, including patients with no pathology at all. Today, however, the Tullio phenomenon is most commonly associated with superior semicircular canal dehiscence., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)

The arytenoid cartilages are paired pyramid-shaped structures of cartilage found in the larynx, which are essential to the production of vocal sound. They are located on the lateral part of the superior border of the lamina of the cricoid cartilage and help form the cricoarytenoid joints. The arytenoid has the apex directed cranially where the corniculate cartilage is sitting. The apex gives attachment to the aryepiglottic fold, while the base articulates with the cricoid cartilage lamina by the cricoarytenoid synovial. Each arytenoid has three surfaces (medial, posterior, and anterolateral) and two processes originating from the base. The thin anterior process (vocal process) gives attachment to the vocal ligament, which in turn, supports the medial edge of the vocal fold. The thick lateral process (muscular process) is the point of attachment of the thyroarytenoid and cricoarytenoid (lateral and posterior) muscles. The posterior curved surface receives the fibers of the interarytenoid muscles (transverse and oblique), while the medial surface is flat, smooth and covered by the mucosa that constitutes the lateral border of the posterior (intercartilaginous) part of the glottis. The anterolateral surface gives strong attachments to the thyroarytenoid muscle near the base and is attached to the vestibular ligament near its apex., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)

The Eustachian tube, also termed the pharyngotympanic or auditory tube, is vital in regulating middle ear homeostasis, with complex anatomy designed to achieve this function. It travels medially from the middle ear, directing down and forwards to open just posterior to the end of the inferior turbinate—the bony lateral third travels past both squamous and petrous portions of the temporal bone. The medial two-thirds is fibrocartilaginous, opening out into the nasopharynx as a mucosal elevation known as the torus tubarius. The tube opens on positive pressure, e.g., yawning, sneezing, swallowing, and the Valsalva maneuver, by contraction of the levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles. Through the Eustachian tube's complex structure, it can carry out its three main functions: Firstly, by having a patent and open Eustachian tube, the pressure of the middle ear is equalized to that of the nasopharynx (i.e., towards atmospheric pressure). This has assistance from active mucosal gas exchange within the middle ear. With the maintenance of middle ear pressure, tympanic membrane compliance is optimized for hearing. Secondly, it contains tube mucociliary transport. This consists of ciliated cells that clear inflammatory products and secretions from the middle ear and Eustachian tube, transporting them towards the direction of the nasopharynx for elimination. Lastly, a functioning Eustachian tube protects the middle ear from loud sounds and potential hazards, including pathogens and secretions from the nasopharynx. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the failure of the Eustachian tube in maintaining any of the three roles mentioned above. This categorizes as either acute (less than three months presentation) or chronic ETD (more than three months). ETD affects 1% of the population, with symptoms including aural fullness or 'popping sounds,' reduced hearing, tinnitus, autophony, otalgia, and imbalance. It can be broadly categorized into baro-challenged induced, patulous, and dilatory ETD.[1][2][3], (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)

Meniere disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. In most cases, it is slowly progressive and has a significant impact on the social functioning of the individual affected.[1] The current diagnostic criteria defined by the Barany society by Lopez-Escamez et al. can help differentiate between a probable and a definite Meniere's disease.  Patients with a definite Meniere disease according to the Barany Society have: 1. Two or more spontaneous episodes of vertigo with each lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours. 2. Audiometrically documented low- to medium-frequency sensorineural hearing loss in one ear, defining and locating to the affected ear on in at least one instance prior, during, or after one of the episodes of vertigo. 3. Fluctuating aural symptoms (fullness, hearing, tinnitus) located in the affected ear. 4. Not better accounted for by any other vestibular diagnosis. Probable Meniere disease can include the following clinical findings: 1. Two or more episodes of dizziness or vertigo, each lasting 20 minutes to 24 hours. 2. Fluctuating aural symptoms (fullness, hearing, or tinnitus) in the affected ear. 3. The condition is better explained by another vestibular diagnosis[2]., (Copyright © 2022, StatPearls Publishing LLC.)