Experts in the UAE warn that diabetes can be a risk factor for vocal cord paralysis
Experts discuss management of diabetes in prevention of vocal cord paralysis during opening day of Otolaryngology 2011.
- (1888PressRelease) May 09, 2011 - Dubai, UAE: With the significant increase in diabetes rates in the region, experts warn that vocal cord paralysis (VCP) can occur as a direct consequence of poor management of diabetes.
VCP is a voice disorder that occurs when one or both of the vocal cords do not open or close properly. This common disorder can cause symptoms ranging from a characteristic breathy voice often accompanied by swallowing disability or a weak cough, to more life threatening symptoms such as choking.
Dr. Manal Ahmed Bukhari, who is a Phonosurgeon Consultant at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, spoke about 'Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Vocal Cord Paralysis' during the opening day of the 8th Middle East Update in Otolaryngology Exhibition & Conference (Head and Neck Surgery) which will continue on the 9 and 10 May 2011, at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.
Produced by IIR Middle East Life Sciences Division, which is part of Informa Exhibitions (www.informaexhibitions.com), the Otolaryngology Exhibition & Conference is accredited by the Cleveland Clinic. This CME event, supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and the Dubai Health Authority, brings together leading regional and international experts to discuss the latest trends in treatments and technologies in ear, nose and throat (ENT) disorders.
"While there are several known causes for VCP - trauma to the neck or chest, injury to the vocal cord during surgery, or tumours or inflammation - more recently, the association between diabetes and VCP has become a genuine cause for concern," says Dr. Bukhari. "For example, with the incidence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia now estimated at 26% of the population and diabetic neuropathy (DNP) effecting approximately 50% of diabetic patients, diabetics are once again at risk of further complications to the disease. DNP may affect the cranial nerves, the vagus or even the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which can lead to unilateral or bilateral vocal cord paralysis."
Diabetic patients should take precautions to avoid VCP, continues Dr. Bukhari. By managing their diabetes more effectively, patients should be able to avoid VCP. Pre-operative endoscopic examination of the vocal cord to detect any paresis or paralysis will also help diabetic patients stave off VCP.
"The Otolaryngology Conference is a useful platform for ENT doctors to consider diabetes as a risk factor for VCP," says Dr Bukhari. "Through the recommendations given during this conference, doctors will be able to reduce the incidence of VCP in the future."
Running alongside the conference is an exhibition which showcases the latest technologies and product launches from manufacturers and distributors wishing to meet an influential body of senior otolaryngologists. Medtronic are the Gold Sponsors of this year's symposium.
"The Middle East market offers a unique learning experience to the medical industry as nowhere else in the world would you deal with such a multinational medical community all in one place. In keeping with Medtronic's mission and commitment to support our regional surgeons, Medtronic has partnered with the Middle East Update in Otolaryngology since its inception. Throughout the years this event has become a regional beacon of information where ENT surgeons come together to exchange knowledge and share their personal medical experiences," says Salim Hammoud, Market Development Manager, Surgical Technologies, Medtronic Mediterranean.
The Otolaryngology Exhibition and Conference is open to all trade visitors and healthcare professionals and will continue on 9 - 10 May, from 10am and 6pm. For further information on attending the event, please call +971 (0)4 336 7334 or visit www.me-oto.com.
Photo caption: On the exhibition floor at OTO 2011.
About IIR Middle East (Informa Exhibitions):
For more information about IIR Middle East, please visit www.iirme.com or www.informaexhibitions.com.
About Medtronic:
For more information about Medtronic, please visit www.medtronic.com.
For media enquiries please contact:
Inga Stevens
PR Manager
Life Science Division
IIR Middle East
T: +971 4 407 2743
F: +971 4 336 4021
inga.stevens ( @ ) iirme dot com
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