The holes in your face and how to keep them healthy: ENT wisdom with Dr. Ali Shahnavaz

Ditch The Labcoat

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Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.

Today, we're joined by Dr. Ali Shahnavaz, a distinguished expert in otolaryngology, who will be diving into the intricacies of ear, nose, and throat health with our host, Dr. Mark Bonta. In this episode, Dr. Shahnavaz shares his expertise on a range of topics starting with pediatric concerns like the dangers of children inserting small objects into their noses and the importance of age-appropriate toys to prevent choking hazards. He also explains the risks of nosebleeds and infections from nose picking and suggests practical remedies like saline washes.

The conversation shifts to more general ear and throat health, where Dr. Shahnavaz recommends measures to maintain a healthy throat, such as staying hydrated, reducing caffeine, and managing acid reflux. He emphasizes the significance of not overusing the voice and offers tips for vocal care, especially for singers. Furthermore, Dr. Shahnavaz discusses auditory health, warning against the prolonged use of headphones at high volumes and advocating for cautious exposure to noise to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.

Additionally, Dr. Shahnavaz shares intriguing aspects of his work, including removing various foreign objects from patients' ears and noses, which often brings immediate relief to his patients. He reassures listeners that despite common fears, bugs cannot travel to the brain through the ear. The episode also touches on the overlap between otolaryngology and ophthalmology and Dr. Shahnavaz’s personal journey from dentistry to medical school.

Overall, the episode provides a wealth of practical advice and knowledge, aiming to enhance listener awareness about ear, nose, and throat health while debunking common myths and highlighting the importance of professional care in preventing and treating ENT-related issues.

Questions cover in this week's episode :

1. How do foreign objects like beads or lego pieces end up in the nasal passages of children, and what are the immediate steps parents should take before medical help arrives?

2. Dr. Shahnavaz mentioned using saline washes and ointments for dry noses. Can you elaborate on how these treatments work and why they are effective for maintaining nasal health?

3. Considering the risks associated with nose hair trimming that you mentioned, such as furuncles and ingrown hairs, what are some best practices for safely managing nose hair?

4. Can you discuss further the anatomical structure of the throat and how issues in different parts may require different specialist interventions?

5. With the rising use of personal audio devices, you highlighted concerns about headphone volume and duration of use. Could you explore alternative safe listening practices for people who use headphones frequently?

6. In the case of Dr. Bonta's relief from ear wax removal, why does excessive wax build-up occur, and what are some preventive measures to avoid significant build-up?

7. You have significant expertise in both dentistry and ENT. How does this dual training benefit your practice and patient care, especially in mixed cases involving both dental and ENT issues?

8. Dr. Shahnavaz, you emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy bacteria in our systems. Can you talk about how this relates specifically to ear, nose, and throat health?

9. Throughout the episode, you discussed various preventive measures for ENT health. Which simple daily habits do you believe are most underestimated in their positive impact on our ENT health?

10. Finally, could you dive deeper into the strategies for managing severe tinnitus, especially regarding new research or therapies that might offer hope to those severely affected?