Correspondence
1 Spraggs P. & Harries M. (1995) The modified valsalva manoeuvre to improve visualization of the hypopharynx during flexible nasendoscopy. J. Laryngol. Otol. 109, 863–864
2 Freeman S., Keith A., Aucott W. et al. (2007) Comparison between two valsalva techniques for improvement of hypopharyngeal nasendoscopy: a preliminary communication. Clin. Otolaryngol. 32, 480–491
Response to Mr Flood 23 August 2013
Sir, We welcome the reaction from Mr Flood, and it is gratifying that our correspondence has inspired him to praise our contribution, albeit in a rather obtuse fashion.1 His response supports and propagates the editorial decision to publish our short report in order to alert our ENT colleagues to the potential benefits of breathing exercises on nasal symptoms in asthmatics. We do not deny the frailties of this study but ‘mighty oaks from acorns grow’. The confirmation of a subjective improvement using a validated questionnaire is only part of the way along a journey from a clinical observation through a suspicion of improvement to ultimately a possible objective and scientifically valid outcome. We suggest that it is a situation of ‘patient, help to heal thy self’ and probably as good as any preliminary outcome that we can offer via medication or surgery. Does it really matter whatever methods are utilised to make a patient better as long as we do no harm and maybe it is time to introduce a little holistic medicine into conventional medical practice.
© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Clinical Otolaryngology 38, 443–447
In conclusion, we would advocate that Mr Flood adhere to his talent of letter-writing as both his meteorological and geographical abilities are somewhat hazy. The perennial caressing by the North Atlantic Drift and the sturdy protection of the Shannon Estuary ensure that we rarely have hard winters in this part of the north-western European isles. Conflict of interest
None to declare. Adelola, O.A., Oosthuizen, J.C. & Fenton, J.E. Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Limerick University Hospital, Limerick, Ireland E-mail: [email protected]
Reference 1 Flood L. (2013) Re. Role of Buteyko breathing tecnique in asthmatics with nasal symptoms. Clin. Otolaryngol. 38, 354
CORRESPONDENCE: LETTERS
References
447
1 Spraggs P. & Harries M. (1995) The modified valsalva manoeuvre to improve visualization of the hypopharynx during flexible nasendoscopy. J. Laryngol. Otol. 109, 863–864
2 Freeman S., Keith A., Aucott W. et al. (2007) Comparison between two valsalva techniques for improvement of hypopharyngeal nasendoscopy: a preliminary communication. Clin. Otolaryngol. 32, 480–491
Response to Mr Flood 23 August 2013
Sir, We welcome the reaction from Mr Flood, and it is gratifying that our correspondence has inspired him to praise our contribution, albeit in a rather obtuse fashion.1 His response supports and propagates the editorial decision to publish our short report in order to alert our ENT colleagues to the potential benefits of breathing exercises on nasal symptoms in asthmatics. We do not deny the frailties of this study but ‘mighty oaks from acorns grow’. The confirmation of a subjective improvement using a validated questionnaire is only part of the way along a journey from a clinical observation through a suspicion of improvement to ultimately a possible objective and scientifically valid outcome. We suggest that it is a situation of ‘patient, help to heal thy self’ and probably as good as any preliminary outcome that we can offer via medication or surgery. Does it really matter whatever methods are utilised to make a patient better as long as we do no harm and maybe it is time to introduce a little holistic medicine into conventional medical practice.
© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Clinical Otolaryngology 38, 443–447
In conclusion, we would advocate that Mr Flood adhere to his talent of letter-writing as both his meteorological and geographical abilities are somewhat hazy. The perennial caressing by the North Atlantic Drift and the sturdy protection of the Shannon Estuary ensure that we rarely have hard winters in this part of the north-western European isles. Conflict of interest
None to declare. Adelola, O.A., Oosthuizen, J.C. & Fenton, J.E. Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Limerick University Hospital, Limerick, Ireland E-mail: [email protected]
Reference 1 Flood L. (2013) Re. Role of Buteyko breathing tecnique in asthmatics with nasal symptoms. Clin. Otolaryngol. 38, 354
CORRESPONDENCE: LETTERS
References
447
