Rhinitis describes a pattern of symptoms as a result of nasal inflammation and/or dysfunction of the nasal mucosa. It is an umbrella entity that includes many different subtypes, several of which escape of complete characterization. Rhinitis is considered as a pathologic condition with considerable morbidity and financial burden on health care systems worldwide. Its economic impact is further emphasized by the fact that it represents a risk factor for other conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and psychological impairment. Rhinitis may be associated with many etiologic triggers such as infections, immediate-type allergic responses, inhaled irritants, medications, hormonal disturbances, and neural system dysfunction. It is basically classified into three major clinical phenotypes: allergic rhinitis (AR), infectious rhinitis, and non-allergic, non-infectious rhinitis (NAR). However, this subdivision may be considered as an oversimplification because a combined (mixed) phenotype exists in many individuals and different endotypes of rhinitis subgroups are overlapping. Due to the variety of pathophysiologic mechanisms (endotypes) and clinical symptoms (phenotypes), it is difficult to develop clear guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to review the types of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, providing a thorough analysis of the pathophysiological background, diagnostic approach, and main treatment options.

Background: Management of advanced laryngeal cancer is complex and ideal strategy is yet to be defined. This study evaluates the experience of a single head and neck oncologic centre in the management of T4 laryngeal cancer. Methods: Retrospective assessment of cases primarily treated for T4a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, between 1980 and 2007, at a tertiary referral center. Results: A total of 384 cases were studied. Five-year disease specific survival was 56.2% and local control 87.4%. Regional and distal control estimates were 90.3% and 88.3% respectively. Prognosis was significantly superior for cases treated with primary surgery compared to cases solely managed with non-surgical modalities. Positive surgical margins and regional disease worsened prognosis. Conclusion: This study suggests that primary surgery remains a key element in the treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. The need for well-designed, prospective, randomised studies in order to further evaluate the remaining role of primary surgery in the modern management of locally advanced laryngeal lesions is emphasized.

Traumatic auricular amputation due to human bite is not a common event. Nonetheless, it constitutes a difficult challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Microsurgery can be performed in some cases, but most microsurgical techniques are complex and their use can only be advocated in specialized centers. Replantation of a severed ear without microsurgery can be a safe alternative as long as a proper technique is selected. We present two cases, one of a partial and one of a total traumatic auricular amputation, both caused by human bites, that were successfully managed in our Department. The technique of ear reattachment as a composite graft, with partial burial of the amputated part in the retroauricular region, as first described by Baudet, was followed in both cases. The prementioned technique is described in detail, along with the postoperative management and outcome of the patients. In addition, a brief review of the international literature regarding ear replantation is performed. The Baudet technique has been used successfully in two cases of traumatic ear amputation due to human bites. It is a simple technique, without the need for microsurgery, and produces excellent aesthetic results, while preserving all neighboring tissues in case of failure with subsequent need for another operation.

Primary healthcare is the pillar of a well-functioning healthcare system. General practitioners (GPs) should have a broad skillset to cope with the various conditions they encounter in everyday practice. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) cases are some of the most common reasons for seeking care. The study aimed to define the frequency and type of ENT disorders seen in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Greece. All patients examined by an ENT specialist in the emergency department setting, within a year, were recorded, as well as all referrals from private practice or primary care facilities. From September to December 2021, data were collected from patients who agreed to complete a two-minute survey, namely, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) questionnaire. During the study year, 4542 cases were documented, from which the most common conditions listed were external otitis (6.9%/314), epistaxis (6.7%/305), and impacted earwax (5.7%/261). The diagnoses that led to hospitalization were 336 and the most common were peritonsillar abscess (16.4%/55), epistaxis (8.0%/27), and facial nerve paralysis (7.4%/25). Referrals from GPs working in the public sector represented more than the half of the total. There was a significant correlation between an increased number of hospital visits and an increased GAD-2 score, in the semester before the current visit (p < 0.001). Referrals to ENT specialists represent around 5% of all cases examined, and about 8% of all visits required hospitalization. Interdisciplinary clinical and research investment into GP training is compulsory to regulate ENT referrals by GPs.

This review studies the potential relationship between the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in both adults and children, applying the modified Bradford Hill criteria. While AR and OME are distinct conditions, several epidemiological and experimental studies suggest a significant association, primarily through allergic mechanisms such as Th-2 immune responses, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and inflammatory mediators in the middle ear. Given the substantial diversity and, in many instances, the “low quality” of related studies when assessed against the standards of modern evidence-based medicine, employing a structured framework like the modified Bradford Hill criteria is beneficial for investigating and establishing causality. This approach, which allows a wide range of diverse studies to be classified as direct, mechanistic, or parallel evidence, supports the notion that management of the allergic immune response may improve OME outcomes, although the inconsistencies among studies require further research. Despite current guidelines recommending against the use of antiallergic medications, the application of the above criteria suggests that proper diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis should be strongly considered in adults and children with OME.