Episode two of the SMILE podcast focuses on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons. In the podcast, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and director of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, and ear, nose, throat, head, and neck expert Dr. Babak Larian of the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery discuss COVID-19 in detail. They also explore how people can pursue ear, nose, throat, and other forms of medical treatment in the midst of the pandemic.
How Does COVID-19 Impact the Nose?
COVID-19 can trigger a respiratory tract infection and impact the upper and lower respiratory tract. As such, the coronavirus can cause a variety of symptoms related to the nose, such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Along with these symptoms, COVID-19 can result in fever, coughing, sore throat, and several other physical symptoms.
How people can get infected by COVID-19 is related to the nose, too. COVID-19 is believed to spread via small respiratory droplets in the air that spread due to close contact with people infected by the coronavirus. When these people cough or sneeze, droplets that contain COVID-19 can travel a few feet in the air. If the droplets reach other people, these individuals can be infected by COVID-19.
How to Protect the Nose Against COVID-19
Social distancing and wearing a face mask are among the top protective measures to safeguard the nose against COVID-19. With social distancing, people can maintain a physical distance of 6 ft. or more from others. This helps minimize the risk of close contact that otherwise can cause the coronavirus to spread. Meanwhile, by wearing a face mask, people can avoid inadvertently breathing in droplets in the air that contain COVID-19.
Along with these measures, people should remain diligently about washing the hands and keeping them clean. Washing the hands with soap and water after coming into contact with any surfaces that could contain COVID-19 helps limit the risk of infecting the coronavirus or spreading it to others. People should also avoid putting their hands near the nose, eyes, and other areas of the face, as the coronavirus can spread from the face into the body.
How to Pursue Medical Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic
For those who display COVID-19 symptoms, it is paramount to pursue immediate medical help. At this time, people can get tested for COVID-19. If they test positive for the coronavirus, they should self-quarantine for approximately two weeks. If these individuals recently came into close contact with others, they should notify them accordingly and urge them to get tested for COVID-19.
City and town travel restrictions regarding COVID-19 should be followed closely as well. These restrictions help guard against the spread of the coronavirus. In the event that people must travel out of state, they should self-quarantine or get tested for COVID-19 for a set period of time as required.
For people who want to pursue medical treatment for any issues that impact the nose, throat, or other areas of the body, virtual consultations may be available, too. For example, Dr. Azizzadeh offers online consultations that allow patients to engage with him from the comfort of home. The consultations ensure Dr. Azizzadeh can learn about a patient and their facial rejuvenation treatment goals. Dr. Azizzadeh can then determine if the patient is eligible for different facial rejuvenation procedures and offer a custom treatment plan.
How Will the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Surgeons Going Forward?
Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Larian are dedicated to helping patients get the medical treatment they need. The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for surgeons who want to provide medical treatment, but Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Larian are working diligently to ensure that their respective patients can safely undergo treatment. They are doing their part to protect patients against COVID-19 and will continue to do so going forward. Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Larian also will continue to explore ways to provide patients with exceptional care at all times.
Learn More About the COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Surgeons
Listen to episode two of the SMILE podcast to learn more about Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Larian and their respective approaches to medical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.