SFORL conferences highlight unusual nasal whistling and evolving medical terminology, revealing both new treatments and lost tools in otology.
Musical Conferences at SFORL
The SFORL conferences, known for their unique recordings of voices, snoring, and other nasal sounds, often take on a musical quality. This year, Professor Justin Michel, an ENT specialist at the AP-HM, shared the sound of a rare phenomenon: a nose that whistles like a kettle with every breath. Medical Cause of the Whistling Nose
The unusual sound was caused by a perforation in the nasal septum, a complication from a previous septoplasty, which was corrected through surgery. The SFORL highlighted that peritonsillar abscesses should no longer be referred to as "phlegmons," a term now outdated for two years, following updated guidelines on pharyngitis management by SFORL and the French Language Infectious Disease Pathology Society (Spilf). Language and Medical Terminology
The change was made to avoid confusion between the French word "phlegmon" and its English equivalent, which refers to a type of diffuse inflammation rather than a localized abscess. This linguistic clarification helps ensure clearer communication among medical professionals and patients. Diagnosing Nasal Valve Collapse
A stuffy nose can sometimes indicate a collapse of the internal nasal valve, a small area of 2 mm² where 50% of nasal resistance occurs. A specific symptom that may lead to this diagnosis is the Cottle sign, a gesture where patients instinctively spread their cheeks with their fingers to breathe more easily, as described by Dr. Vincent Dupuch, an ENT specialist in Clermont-Ferrand. Cost Comparisons in Rhinology
Doctors have often compared their work to that of hairdressers, highlighting the cost of injectable hyaluronic acid used in rhinology treatments. These treatments, which are often not covered by insurance, can cost between 95 to 210 euros per syringe, compared to 47 to 57 euros for a basic haircut and styling package at a nearby salon. Discontinuation of Medical Devices
Beyond new treatments, the conferences also addressed the disappearance of certain therapeutic options. Several speakers expressed concern over the discontinuation of useful medical devices in otology, such as trans-tympanic infusion devices and tympanometry devices, which were previously used in ear-related treatments.
