While an estimated 30 million to 40 million Americans have chronic sinusitis, the disease also has many sufferers in the Middle East. Recent studies provide evidence that a high percentage of sufferer’s also have allergies. Dry, desert climates breed are fungus that can contribute to chronic sinus disease and otolaryngologists practicing in the region are continually exploring more effective ways to diagnose and treat these problems. Dubai’s Otolaryngology Exhibition & Conference 2010 brings together leading regional and international experts to discuss the latest up-to-date trends on treatments and technologies in head and neck surgery.
Produced by IIR Middle East Life Sciences Division, the seventh edition of the Middle East Update in Otolaryngology Exhibition & Conference – Head and Neck Surgery will take place from February 14 to 16, 2010, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Accredited by the Cleveland Clinic, this CME event allows doctors to stay in touch with best practices by keeping their medical accreditations up-to-date.
Chairman of the Otolaryngology Conference 2010, Dr Muaaz Tarabichi MD, Head of ENT Department, American Hospital Dubai, UAE, discusses the debilitating effects of ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders commonly diagnosed in the Middle East.
“Allergy to fungus in the desert is the most common cause of allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS),” explains Dr Tarabichi. “AFS is one of the more challenging pathologies to otolaryngologists as they have faced this clinical problem for quite some time now and despite the proper medical and surgical lines of management, it seems there is a high recurrence rate of the disease. At the conference there will be a focus on this subject to highlight the latest advances in treatment of the disease by drawing upon the expertise of the international and regional specialists attending the event.
“So far treatment has not been handled particularly well and this lack of understanding means that doctors focus on correcting anatomical deformities rather than carrying out the necessary advanced sinus surgery that is needed to treat the disease.”
As in other parts of the world, hearing loss in children is another common ENT disorder in the Middle East. Dr Tarabichi emphasises that all newborns should be tested for hearing loss as it is critical that treatment starts immediately after birth. The public should be made aware of the problem as most parents discover this problem when it is already too late for doctors to offer help. The conference programme will further focus on the genetics of hearing loss and will emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and early hearing screening programs for newborns.
“Otolaryngology 2010 is one of the largest educational events in the Middle East for this particular discipline,” says Dr Tarabichi. “The highlight of the conference programme is the collaborative efforts of regional and international experts who will focus on the study, diagnosis and treatment of ENT ailments. A panel of experts will discuss the results of a US study on the breakthrough technology of fully implantable hearing aids.”
Running alongside the conference is an exhibition which demonstrates the latest technologies and product launches from manufacturers and distributors wishing to meet an influential body of senior otolaryngologists. Products such as hearing aids, laser machines, microsurgical instruments and sleep apnea devices will be on display.
For further information on ENT treatment and diagnosis please visit the Middle East Update in Otolaryngology Exhibition & Conference – Head and Neck Surgery running from 14 and 16 February at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Please call +971 (0)4 336 7334 or visit www.me-oto.com for details on attending the event.
